The winter solstice is one of the best times of the year for walking the hounds. The winter sun is low on the horizon and if it snows then all you can see on your walk are big rabbit footprints and the tracks of chilly bird feet. The dogs love it - they can run for ages without over-heating, cooling down by flinging themselves into snow drifts so that all you can see are their heads and tails. Last year, when we had really good snow in Scotland, we were treated to the sight of a massive hare on a snowy hillock checking us out. He was as big as a dog and stayed with us for quite a while. The dogs were kind enough to ignore him and he went on his way, one very lucky chap indeed. Deer are another matter however, and I have to keep a keen look out for them so that I can get the dogs on the lead before its too late. After years spent living in London it feels like a real privilege to walk out into the countryside every day and I never tire of it. Neither do the dogs! Whilst every one else is wishing it was spring we are running in the fields sucking in the cold air and hoping for more snow.
