This past week has been busy in every sense. Lots of ongoing issues with the house fiasco which we've met with a need for getting outdoors and away from it all, even if just for half an hour each day to soothe the soul. Where do we go? The beach of course!
We've enjoyed some fabulous winter sunshine ... a curse (and a danger!) when you can't see a thing on the roads but also wonderful if you're a passenger and can just shut your eyes and bask in some mood-enhancing serotonin boost! This has led us to new stretches of beach and dunes to explore ... there is so much on our doorstep to enjoy, we're like kids in a sweet shop and with views that stop you in your tracks and take your breath away, it's hard to imagine one could ever tire of it. I know I won't!
However, as is always the way for us, with the ups come the downs and we are both struggling so much with our chronic health issues right now. Yesterday was a particularly awful day for me but I pushed myself and joined Jon on a walk around the village and felt better for it. My main motivator being Barclay boy!
This dog is doing brilliantly and I'm bursting with pride at my pride and joy! Granted no two days are the same and the rate at which his bucket fills to overflowing can vary wildly but as with all things, you simply must celebrate the wins! As a dog Mum, he is making me proud as punch.
The past week has seen him "boss" so many scenarios! After slipping out of the front door before his harness was on, he proved, after a swift jolly round the street (a heart-in-mouth moment for us!) that some of his recall has sunk in and he came back to me quite simply because he wanted to! YEYYY! More wins seeing other dogs in the street and yeah, he's managed to use those dreaded talons to claw his way down the back of my legs at one point and rip my only other good pair of leggings but he's forgiven for that because he's also managed to walk right past a couple of dogs on the same pavement, looked to me for a response when he didn't react and arched his back, wagged his tail and strutted along the pavement when given praise for it! All that makes it worthwhile! I've been paying for training I've not had time (nor the garden!) to utilise for two months and been fretting about it to boot, but this week's progress just shows how all the work we've put in to date is paying off. Fuel itself for cracking on if ever it were needed ...
So, as I sit here reflecting on the past week, ready to immerse myself back into our training course, this rambler thinks it's important for us all to remember to celebrate the little wins in life. Happy Out!