Respite for me and dog

sangie595

I hope you find something. Dogs are actually therapists all on their own, and I think it's a wonderful idea to get away from it all with your lovely companion.

Savvy_Sue

Flibertigibit wrote: »

Perhaps I should have mentioned earlier that I have mobility issues, so walking/rambling holidays with my dog are a no-no much as I love Durham and lived there for a while.

I would not rule out the Ramblers Holidays: phone and ask if they will accept a non-walker-with-dog on one of the dog-friendly holidays.

I don't know if HF Holidays offer anything which accepts dogs, but I know that when my walking group books a group weekend with them, we get a discount for any non-walkers who come along, which is why I wonder if Ramblers will be flexible enough to accept non-walkers. I can't see why not, because there must be couples where only one either likes or is still able to walk seriously.

Flibertigibit

You are so right - without my Tashi I'm not sure I'd even be here! Much as I hate taking him out for walks (with my disability walking aid) in the horrible winter weather, I know it's the highlight of his day and so good physically for me (use it or lose it) and socially as I meet so many other dog walkers to talk to, some I know and some I don't. If you just walked round a park without a dog I doubt anybody would stop for a chat!

Another thing he teaches me daily is mindfulness. It's quite the "in" thing at the moment and comes originally from the Buddhist tradition - really it just means living in the moment and getting what you can from it. Tashi lives purely in the the moment - he remembers things of course but he doesn't worry about tomorrow or even what today might bring. Every smell he smells is the best smell ever and he will have that experience every day about everything. Sometimes I wish I could tell him what we're going to be doing if it's exciting, but that's me as a human - he doesn't need to know the future, just what's happening right now.

Flibertigibit

The Ramblers say on their website that the don't have dogs and so do HF though I did find holidays that I might like like "Stained Glass Appreciation".

Well one thing's for sure, if I ever win the lottery I shall be setting up a retreat place where dogs are welcome!

Savvy_Sue

Flibertigibit wrote: »

The Ramblers say on their website that the don't have dogs and so do HF

But I was referring particularly to this bit:

Katiehound wrote: »

How about signing up for a group walking holiday with your dog? Ramblers Holidays runs a Paws on Tour programme in which dogs can join their owners on guided group walks from dog-friendly hotels. It has a five-night trip walking the Dales of Co Durham from August 23-28. Accommodation is at dog-friendly Redworth Hall. Dinner and breakfast at the hotel are included in the cost, from £529 per person, with a £100 single supplement and a £50 charge for your dog (01707 331133; ramblersholidays.co.uk).

I'm sure they don't usually have dogs on their holidays, but for this particular one it could be worth asking if a non-walker could join the group if they had a dog.

Flibertigibit wrote: »

Well one thing's for sure, if I ever win the lottery I shall be setting up a retreat place where dogs are welcome!

I'm sure there would be a market for it.

Flibertigibit

Hi all, well, with a numb backside I finally managed to find somewhere on the internet that is just what I want and need, so I'll post it here in case it's of use to others. It's called "Holy Rood House" but open to all spiritualities and none, and just speaking to one of the people there made me feel so cossetted - like a big feather duvet. And not only can I take the dog but she's even given me a downstairs room with easy access to a side door to the garden. This is the website http://www.holyroodhouse.org.uk/index.html

Naturally they are busy over Easter etc but we have agreed I will go on 4th April for a 5 day stay. The downside is that it is in Thirsk but the upside is that I know and love that part of the country, being brought up there as a teenager. .

Thanks again to all who tried to help so kindly with suggestions!