Oh, the rain! So much rain! Our garden lawn is a muddy mosh pit, so every time the dogs go out, it’s a mission not to get mud up the kitchen units (and the vinyl floor takes a battering!). As dog owners, we can’t be too ‘house proud’, but at the same time, I’d love to know how others deal with muddy paws. Maybe the answer has more to do with the garden substrate than the dogs?!

Am I starting the new year with a grumble? Must be an age thing. Last month saw me reluctantly embrace the shave and accept that at the ripe age of 44, the days of hair are in my past. It’s a chilly season to go bald, and I was then instantly spurred to purchase a nice woolly hat. Somehow, there’s a link to looking at my dogs and thinking, do they get cold on winter walks? A Cocker and a Schnauzer, both fairly well embraced with hair (I’m not jealous), but if I’m wearing a hat, then I’ll complete the look with a nice coat for the dogs. It’s not something I’ve considered, if I’m honest, thinking it’s a bit of a gimmick, but I’m aware dog coats are more common nowadays. Would it really make a difference?

I opted for a brand I know and trust, and the following day, a lovely blue Barbour beanie hat came for me, and tartan dog coats arrived for the dogs. I didn’t regret the decision — my first stylish, high-quality ‘garment’ for my dogs turned out to be a good investment. The trouble is, it then spurred me to buy the matching collar and lead… yes, I’m a little poorer, but if I’m going to be bald, I’m going to be stylish. How this led to the dogs getting such an abundant upgrade, I don’t know.

As you might know from the last few issues, I’ve made it a mission to explore a bit more of the country and share some wider experiences with the dogs. My maiden voyage with our fetching new look took place at the Land of Lights Festival in Milton Keynes on a cold but dry, dark winter evening. It was an evening that should have ticked all the boxes (see page 22) but through no fault of the venue, the evening fell a little flat as a family event. There’s a theme to the signals I’m getting from life at the moment… and that is getting older!

As our February issue comes out in early January, may I wish you a very happy New Year and one of happiness and good times. Whatever life stage you may be at, let’s embrace it.