Hoddit and Doddit Enterprises inc. were briefed to go out and procure a Scallywagon that was going to be fit for purpose (i.e. take at least 4 big wet muddy dogs at one time) and they not only came up with the goods, they exceeded the brief! The new doggy bus should be fitted out with dedicated doggy compartments, low-level lighting, shower and wash facilities and all logo'd up ready to hit the road soon... 

And summer is officially over already. I know this because (1) School is out and (2) I finally got round to buying SPF30 Moisturiser (I know - horse - cart - bolt - etc). So it is guaranteed to rain for at least the next 6 weeks...

I read a shocking story today of a dog walker in Scotland walking 36 dogs on one walk. How can they possibly be in control and how can that many dogs travel together comfortably? Our absolute maximum is 4 dogs at one time, less if possible and we try and match the dogs in terms of size, age, character and personality to ensure that they all have a good time when in our care.

A year ago today the best dog in the world was rushed to the Vet School in Glasgow. After 10 days he was diagnosed with acute Lymphoma (cancer of the blood) and not given much time to live at all. We wanted some time to say goodbye so with a lot of chemotherapy and the care of the lovely vets he enjoyed almost two months of good health before it all got too much for him. To mark his life I'll be posting some photos and sharing memories for the next couple of months until 6th June when we had to let him go. RIP Archie, the best dog in the world.

Another busy week at Scallywags this week. We welcomed new start, Baxter the Sprocker Spaniel, to the pack on Monday with a walk to the Shooglie Bridge and Priestgill. Then we met the lovely Viszla, Heidi who will be joining the pack next week. Austin joined us for day care on Wednesday and Thursday and we're walking Ben the Cocker Spaniel starting today (Saturday 25 March). On top of that there's Bonnie the labradoodle and three gundogs to feed and let out .... all go!

We had a busy week welcoming new clients this week. First there was Baxter the Cocker Spaniel, then Coco the Eurasian, then Austin the Chocolate Lab and finally Lola (minature dachshund) and Indy the Lhasa Apso. Off to meet a potential new client tomorrow - another Baxter - and we are doing a stand in dog walk for the gorgeous Lurchers Bonnie and Clyde while their normal dog walker is off to show at Crufts. 
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In between dog walks I like to do a bit of leafleting to spread the word about Scallywags services. You can tell a lot by the welcome mats or little ornaments people have by their front doors. From a simple 'Welcome' or 'Bless this House' doormat you get a sense that the people inside are warm and friendly. I particularly like the 'Forget about the dog, beware of the wife' ornaments I've seen dotted about. At the other end of the scale you see a lot of 'no junk mail/hawkers/labour politicians (amend as appropriate depending on political persuasion)/trident supporters etc etc type of notices stuck to doors. And these make me wonder a little about the people who live inside and what makes them so mad at the world. My philosophy is that courtesy costs nothing and that it's nice to be nice. The best one was a chap I encountered today who told me in no uncertain terms that I was not to put any junk mail through his letterbox. I clocked the wee dog trailing behind him, laughed inwardly, and bit my tongue as I was tempted to say "You don't need one anyway - your wife has already booked your dog in with me". It may not be much but it felt like a small victory.

Below you can see pictures of Max before Storm Doris - cute and fluffy to the erm.. Max!  As the storm blew in we went for a walk in Strathaven park.
​Below is the 'after' shot ...