I bought the wire rings from eBay, as well as the binding wire, cinnamon sticks and dried lotus heads, but since our daily dog walk takes us through beautiful woods, I decided to source everything else from there.

So while Georgie and Jessie chased the squirrels, I took my secateurs and collected a few choice items – holly, fir cones, small sections of the fir tree branches.

I collected everything together at home in different containers, made some mulled wine, popped the mince pies on and waited for the door bell to go.

For Georgie and Jessie, notoriously excitable at the front door, I had a rawhide chew available (20 minutes chewing time!) so when the first guest arrived I made the dogs sit, handed them one each and sent them on their way.

Everyone brought something – ivy, tinsel, more holly, different types of fir cones, chocolate (obviously not for the wreaths!) – we were ready to go.

Binding wire is the most useful way of attaching things.

My first wreath had a base of small sections of fir tree branches wrapped around the ring using the binding wire to attach it as you go.

I tied two cinnamon sticks together with rafia (local garden centre) and then again attached them with the wire (just wrapping the wire round in between the sticks and to the ring).

In between the cinnamon sticks I wired in fir cones and topped it with a sprig of white spray. I’m not sure what this is since it was on a centre piece from a recent wedding that we were allowed to take home!

As you can see, every single wreath had its own character. Most importantly it was a really lovely thing to do with friends which is part of what makes this time of year so special.

Plus the dogs loved having people in the house and exciting smells in the kitchen. We’ll definitely be doing it again next year.

If you have any questions about how to do any of this, just make a comment and I’ll get back to you!

Today was one of those perfect days – and I’m sure the dogs agreed too. Though to be honest they seem happy in pouring rain, wild winds, heavy snow – basically they just love being ‘out and about’.

The blackberries are in season – earlier than usual due to this year’s very hot spring – and the dogs learnt long ago that free food is abundant in the bushes.

We had Millie walking with us today, the darker of the two Golden Retrievers – and she was also helping herself to the berries – as well as losing herself in the patch of dandelions in what we call ‘The Paddock’.

Sheepcote Valley is the walk next to Brighton Racecourse and it really is a very special area: beautiful wild flowers, amazing sea views, the freshest of air, and lots of dog-friendly people.

Visit Out And About with Your Dog for more Brighton dog walks, as well as tons of more general dog loving info and pics.

But it made the gorgeous forest all the more atmospheric.

We were meeting the handsome Monty, a four year old Golden, and our friends Ali and Nat, for our regular ‘Friston Frenzy’.

Friston Forest, nearest town Eastbourne, is a fantastic place to walk dogs. Be aware that you’ll need small change for the car park – at the time of writing it was £2 for two hours.

The trails through the forest are marked from the car park and you can obviously keep to them, or wander off for your own forest adventure.

The dogs LOVE it here – so many wild smells, sticks to carry, other dogs to meet, masses of leaves to roll in. We love it too – brilliant views (when it’s not misty), wide, well established routes, lots of space, gorgeous beech trees,
friendly dog-loving people.

L-R-Georgie, Jessie (at back) and Monty

We did see horse riders (you need a permit for riding) and there are normally cyclists around. But there’s enough space for everyone.

Friston Forest is one of the best dog walks in East Sussex – I highly recommend it.

One thing – it does get muddy here so if it’s been wet, be prepared! Here are Nat’s boots at the end of our walk today!

For more Info on Friston Forest as well as other great dog walks in Sussex, visit our website Out And About With Your Dog.

Yesterday morning we had the pleasure of hooking up with Rhian from Brighton Dog Photography and her beautiful Pug, Boo.

I introduced them to Sheepcote Valley, one of my favourite Brighton Dog Walks – such a treat to be able to let the dogs run free and not be worried by traffic etc. On top of that there are amazing views of the sea towards Rottingdean and Ovingdean. So good for the soul!

As you can see from the photos on this page, Rhian is a top class photographer, knowing instinctively how to get the best out of the animals.

She loves taking photographs of dogs ‘where they like to be’ – out and about on their walks. A truly earthy photographer, Rhian’s not afraid to lie down in the wet grass for the right shot. And I think you’ll agree, Georgie and Jessie have never looked so good

If you’d like her to accompany you on a dog walk and photograph your dogs, visit her inspiring site and find out what she offers. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

All trains in and out of Brighton have also been cancelled so transport has pretty much come to a standstill. And unlike last year there’ve been council workers clearing pavements and roads around the station – thank you guys – great job

Seeing as we couldn’t do our normal walk we headed for St Nicholas Rest Garden which is about 5-10 minutes away and Georgie and Jessie played in around 8″ powdery snow. They were very, very happy!

Our website, Out And About With Your Dog, has a section on Sussex Dog Info as well as a monthly dog photo contest and masses of interesting articles and pictures. Come and pop by.

Here in Sussex we’re not short of hotels but a truly dog-friendly establishment is hard to find.

In this post I’d like to feature a first class example of what it means to be a dog-friendly hotel – The Silverdale in Seaford, East Sussex.

Describe your hotel and its location.
We are an Edwardian guest house in the centre of Seaford town centre which is at the foot of the Seven Sisters Country park and right in the heart of the newly designated South Downs National Park. The guest house is only 750 meters from Seaford beach where you can see the famous Kittiwakes at Splash point.

Who is Bill?
Bill is a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He is twelve years old now so is getting a little tired and we have had him for ten years. Bill loves meeting all the guests as they arrive at the house.

What can a dog owner expect when they stay at your hotel?
If you bring your dog with you to stay at the Silverdale both you and your dog will be very welcome.

For you and your dog to use whilst you are here: -

• a map of Seaford showing various parks and walks for you and your dog
• pet shop details, vets details, grooming parlours, places you can visit with your dog
• a list of dog friendly eating establishments
• food and water bowls
• pet food fork
• poop scoop bags (ask us for more if you run out)
• doggy towel
• dog collar tag to put on dog’s collar with our telephone number on – in case they escape from you
• a blanket for the bed or chair (in case your dog likes to keep you company on the bed)
• a gift for your dog and something useful for you: – a complimentary item of doggy wet wipes for those mucky paws, and a toy for your dog – as a thank you for choosing The Silverdale.

We would respectfully ask you to keep your dog on a lead whilst around the house.

Are dogs allowed to stay in the room on their own?
If you are happy that your dog has settled in your bedroom and want to leave him/her in your room JUST for breakfast, do so.

However dogs are NOT to be left in your room if you are leaving the premises, even for ten minutes. We have had some lovely bedding chewed up and wee’d on because usually very quiet dogs have become stressed at being left somewhere unfamiliar. Arrangements can be made if your dog is crated/caged. Please talk to Louise.

Is there any provision if you want to go out for the evening?
Either one of our two sons, Connor or Sully, are happy to Dog sit for you as long as you pre book this.

What happens at meal times?
We are used to, and very happy to have dogs in the dining room. If you would like to bring your dog with you to breakfast – feel free to do so (on their lead), if they will sit nicely with you. Please be aware some guests may not be quite so keen on dogs. If you are happy that your dog has settled in your bedroom and want to leave him/her in your room JUST for breakfast, do so.

Have you had any unusual requests for your canine guests?
Not really most requests are quite normal.

What’s the largest canine visitor you’ve had to stay?
We had two Bernese Mountain Dogs stay in one of the rooms – they were very big!

You’re quite famous for your dog-friendliness. What’s your secret?
There is no secret really, we just believe in first class customer service, and if you say you are dog friendly then that is exactly what you should be.

So many establishments say they are dog friendly but what they really mean is that they will tolerate your dog just to get your money.

It’s not like that at the Silverdale. We love dogs and want dogs and their owners to have a really comfortable relaxing stay with us at the Silverdale.

Thank you to Norman and Louise at the Silverdale in Sussex.

Visit our website for our page on Dog Friendly Hotels in Sussex and click here for more general information on Pet Friendly Hotels.

But what makes a cottage dog-friendly?

There are several things that I look for if I’m taking our dogs with us on holiday.

First of all the flooring.

If I see a photo in the brochure of plush white carpets – even if it’s described as ‘dog-friendly accommodation’ – I move on. The best type of flooring is wooden floors or tiles with rugs that you can roll up if things get particularly muddy or if you have a very hairy dog.

Georgie relaxing after a hard day exploring the area.

Secondly the garden.

An enclosed garden is another must for us.

I’ll always remember a holiday in Scotland. The garden was ‘enclosed’ but only on 3 sides -at the bottom was the beach. Wow, how idyllic you might think! Until we realised how many sheep there were in the area and how freely they were wandering around – particularly on our part of the shore. It wasn’t long before they came wandering up to our house and well, let’s say, everyone got a surprise!

Thirdly the area itself.

Ideally there should be safe walks from the house or at least a short drive away. Since we live in a built up area of Brighton, rural walks from the house are an absolute joy. Waking up early, leaving the dogs off the lead, putting on a pair of wellies over your pyjamas, and taking a quick walk in a remote area – now that’s what I call a holiday

For more ideas visit our Dog-Friendly Cottages page on Out And About With Your Dog..

My Godmother, Betty Roesler, had a hearing dog for many years and she worked tirelessly promoting and raising money for the charity. Now in her 90th year and in a residential home, I accompanied her on Saturday to a Hearing Dogs coffee morning in Botley, a village in southern England, where she was presented with a bouquet of flowers for all her hard work.

Once I knew Betty was happy and catching up with old friends, I nipped round the garden, snapping a few of the hard-working canines – some in training, some fully qualified.

At the top of the page is Teasel – one quarter King Charles, three-quarters Papillon – a 5 year old Hearing Dog with ears that, I think you’ll agree, befit the charity

Below is Bonzo, an 11 month old Cocker Poo, currently being socialised by Margaret Conrad.

Here is Yogi, another Hearing Dog in training, 7 months old and a King Charles Spaniel.

Damson, below, is a fully trained Hearing Dog – and a 5 year old Poodle.

The dogs are trained to respond to everyday sounds such as the doorbell, cooker timer or telephone. They alert their owners by touching them and leading them to the sound.

Danger and emergency signals such as a smoke or burglar alarm warrant a different response in the dog – they are trained to lie down in a special ‘alert signal’ way.

Many rescue dogs are used by the charity and finding young dogs with the right temperament is all important.

Find out more by visiting the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People website.

A special thank you to Jeanette, Chair of the South Hants branch, for making us feel so welcome on Saturday. Betty had a fantastic time!

Devil’s Dyke is a local beauty spot just outside Brighton, part of the South Down’s Way with far reaching views across the South Downs and The Weald in southern England.

It’s an amazing place and we haven’t been there for a while on account of the cows! No-one wants a dog who’s rolled in a cow pat, believe me!

But last night I took a chance and only having the one dog with me we parked up and enjoyed an incredible evening walk.

Georgie, our Golden Retriever, knows this place well as we used to come here quite a bit when she was a puppy. She was clearly delighted to be back!

There were cows – but they didn’t get in our way. Georgie did have a very quick roll in a cow pat and needed to have a shower when we got home but I was in a good mood and didn’t mind!

If you come here, parking is now £2.00 which was a bit of a shock. You can also come by bus, the 77, usually open top, and there’s usually an ice cream van in the car-park which is always a bonus

If you haven’t been here before then go! It’s  a very special place and you can walk right along the South Down’s Way marvelling at the stunning Sussex countryside below.

Visit Out And About With Your Dog for more Brighton Dog Walks and loads of Sussex Dog Info.

But the bluebells were always there – bulbs hidden under the snow, under the sodden ground, under the hard frosts of 2009 -10.

And as always they keep surviving and keep putting on this fantastic show year after year. Nature is amazing.

Here are a few photos featuring Georgie and Jessie playing in the bluebells of our local Sussex wood.

And when the sun shines, everything in the world is perfect

Location: Stanmer Woods, Brighton, East Sussex
Photos taken on 28th April 2010

Visit Out And About With Your Dog for more Brighton Dog Walks and loads of Sussex Dog Info.