Your Dog — November 2017

NEVER ALONE

Despite his escapades, Ann says that

Grumpus’s company has been invaluable.

She says: “He’s such good company; I’ve

not been lonely at all. He can’t bear to

be on his own, so he’s actually been

a better-behaved dog since we’ve been

on the road. Although he has his own bed,

he sleeps under the duvet with me and

I have tried to keep his routine.”

She continues: “Because he’s quite an

unusual breed, lots of people have come

up to talk to me about him. He’s also

started to run up to strangers with his

ball and drop it at their feet, and howl

until they throw it — maybe he’s trying

to make friends?”

Another benefi t of touring the British

coastline for Ann has been discovering all

the hidden gems, which have provided

outstanding dog walking hotspots.

She says: “I loved visiting Durness in

Scotland, the most north-westerly village

in mainland Britain. The campsite was

right at the top of a cliff, and although

I was warned by a local that there’s

nothing there, it had the best beach I’ve

come across — I ended up staying there

for nearly three weeks.

“After living in Cornwall, where there

were so many tourists and I had to worry

about Grumpus cocking his leg up on

picnic baskets and eating people’s

pasties, Scotland has been completely

different and there are less restrictions on

the beaches — although ticks are a big

problem in the Highlands!”

Now, seven months into her journey

and currently exploring the depths of

Scotland, Ann’s trip is shaping up to be

exactly what she hoped it would be. She

explains: “People keep asking me, but

I have no idea where I will end up — I am

just taking each day as it comes. So many

people have told me that I’m living the

dream, and I’ll admit it’s the best thing

I’ve ever done.

“One thing I’ve defi nitely learned is

that true riches come from experiences

and relationships, rather than money

and material possessions,” refl ects Ann.

“For the fi rst time, I’m living life entirely

on my own terms, not by anyone else’s

rules or expectations. And it feels pretty

damn good!”

http://www.yourdog.co.uk Your Dog November 2017 75

“A decision had to be made:

would it be kinder to put Solo

to sleep, or were we prepared

to bring her home?”

Errant Beagle Grumpus is

the ideal travel companion.

To follow the rest of Ann’s

adventures with Grumpus, visit her

blog (www.voyageofthebeagle.co.uk)

or follow @voyageofthegrumpus

on Instagram.

Grumpus having

the time of his life!

In the sea at Balnakeil in

the Scottish Highlands.

Image: Hollie Marsh.

74-75 yd readers dogs MJ EWCC.indd 75 22/09/2017 15:15