5 days in Hampshire

5 days in Hampshire with a dog and a cat

I love so much England, I decided to apply although it was only for a 5 days sit, in autumn this time. Joanna was going abroad and needed a sitter for Nora, her black fluffy cat and for M. Grimes, her working Cocker spaniel.

As her home was in a small hamlet, quite remote, Joanna had accepted to let me her car. After having left her at Heathrow it took me nearly 3 hours to get back to New Alresford instead of an hour and a half !

There was not too much traffic but finding my way was not that easy ! I had to follow the GPS instructions on my tiny mobile screen ! I missed several exits and turned around the several airport terminals, anxious to follow the wrong directions... I was cautious to drive "on the wrong side of the road ".

The pets' routine was strictly followed during Joanna's absence : M.Grimes had his first early walk before breakfast, in the fields nearby. He was used to pee only in the garden. Another one, much longer, in the afternoon. A last one before going to bed around 10 PM.

We played a lot together outside : in the lovely fenced garden or in the countryside. The recall was perfect so the dog could be left unleashed.

When I was a little lost, the dog showed me the way back. I knew he would be able to find his home on his own but I much prefered we returned together. At night I put on his neck his flashing red colored collar. Better safe than sorry...

M.Grimes loved when I threw balls but did not pay any attention to wooden sticks. He knew many orders -" sit ", " drop ", " wait " and folowed them all.

"Where is your ball ? With his hunting dog nose, he always found its toy, even hidden far in thick bushes or dead leaves.

A real good boy. When he had muddy pawns, he tolerated I washed them with the hose. Without trying to go away.

With the car, I visited New Alresford area, went to Petersfield, taking M.Grimes with me all the times on the rear seat : so many places are " dogs friendly "on the other side of the Channel !

He sat quietly under tables in pubs, behaved nicely in shops. With females he was usually OK but with males he often growled !

So I prefered to keep him tight when me met other canines.

Nora was quite shy. She showed up only once in my bedroom, jumping on the bed while i was resting. She accepted to be combed daily.

Only 9 years old, she slept a lot in the lounge during the day, went hunting in the evenings. She did not bring me any prey : I was not familiar enough to be offered a gift !