Paws & Presents

Navigating Christmas with big dogs

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Calling all dog lovers, what are your thoughts on how to navigate the festive season with your beloved four legged companions?  As for me, it can be both a delight and a challenge, especially when those furry friends happen to be Rhodesian Ridgebacks. As a devoted dog enthusiast, Christmas time brings its unique set of complexities, especially when it comes to accommodating these small horse like companions, in the midst of family celebrations.

The joys of visiting loved ones during this time of year often encounter a hurdle - where do the dogs fit into the equation?  Finding suitable accommodation or a dog friendly space for Ridgebacks can pose quite the puzzle. They are big, powerful dogs and as a horsewoman, I might be just 5.3 foot in height, but I have a gutsy attitude when it comes to dealing with strong willed animals. Due to their size and sometimes, overbearing attitude, I don’t have many contacts in a hurry to dog sit.  However, I do have a local kennels, which happen to be Ridgeback breeders, but unfortunately they are fully booked.  Which is a shame, as I’m always reassured that Obi & Nya will be well looked after, and vice versa, the kennel staff would take no nonsense off my goofball hounds.

So my hand has been dealt, the dogs will have travel with me, as I’ll weave their presence into the fabric of the festive celebrations.  It might mean a bit of chaos, a dash of mischief, but isn’t that the essence of Christmas?!  I’m happy to revel in the chaos, laughter and love, even if it comes in the form of boisterous Ridgebacks who normally think they have a place at the dinner table.

What could possibly go wrong?  Lucky for me my parents are massive animal lovers.  Back in the 80’s, I lived on a small holding as a young teenager, happily racing my little brother across the fields, me on my pony and him on his 50cc motorbike.  Just to paint the picture, I would imagine my life back then best being described as a mix of 'Darling Buds of May' and 'All Creatures Great & Small’ - that would just about sum up my idyllic childhood in the countryside.

Amidst the challenges and the flurry of the Christmas hubbub, I’m determined to create a space where these canine companions can revel in the joy alongside me.  After all, Christmas isn’t just about beautifully set tables and the perfect arrangements - it’s about embracing the chaos and the togetherness, even if it’s with a pair of mischievous Ridgebacks adding their own unique charm into the mix.

I’m curios to know, what delightful arrangements do you have in store for your four-legged friends this Christmas?  How do you plan to incorporate them into your festive plans?

The one thing I absolutely love about being a dog owner at this time of year, is the early morning dog walk along the beach on Christmas Day morning.  When en-route home,  I love to pop into the local cafe or pub for a cheeky hot chocolate with a dash of Baileys.  It’s the simple things in life that truly make me smile.  I guess this is my kind of ‘Christmas with ease’.

Until the next time

Take care & stay safe xx