Now that the hedge has gone, Benji loves to watch what's going on in the world outside so has commandeered the padded stool.
But occasionally he needs to snooze . .
On Sunday we had a day out, the occasion being the Annual Get-together for the Red Setter Rescue and Re-homing Charity.
My friends two dogs came from Ireland via this charity, so we go every year to support them. Spitchwick Manor is the setting, with its 6 acres of grounds and wonderful views over to Dartmoor.
Looking into the secret garden, where there's Lady Ashburton's Plunge Pool, a tad cool even on a sunny day as it's fed by a natural spring.
But the day was all about the Red Setters and their friends, so most of them set off to walk on Dartmoor and admire the various Tors that they passed on their 4-mile hike. Others chose the shorter route, about 2 miles on fairly flat ground - and others, like us, chose to wander the grounds and admire the views all around, which also meant our 3 dogs could be off-lead to explore. We also had a refreshing cup of coffee back at the car, parked under the beech trees in dappled sunlight.
Gradually, the walkers drifted back and we headed back to the house where we enjoyed a scrumptious English Tea in the Rose Garden - plates of assorted sandwiches, very tasty sausage rolls, more plates of scones with jam and cream and even more plates of home-made cakes, enormous slices!!! And of course, lashings of tea.
Afterwards we all waited for the command - "DOGS OFF LEADS!!!"
I thought Benji would be overwhelmed by all those BIG dogs, but he joined in with the excitement. Until he spotted me . . "Mummeeeeee!!"
Unfortunately, my attempts to capture the sight of dozens of racing Red Setters turned out to be blurred streaks of shiny auburn fur as they flew past.
So here are 2 handsome beauties standing still.
An Irish Setter and a Gordon Setter.
After the chase, a cooling dip in the Rose Garden fountain.
What a lovely day it was, a long day for us but the sun shone and our dogs enjoyed meeting so many old and new friends.
Here's to next year.
That must have been such fun for you and the dogs! What a lovely place, I had never heard of it.
ReplyDeleteBenji is looking very sleek now!
We ventured abroad, Elizabeth! The Manor is on the edge of Dartmoor, a few miles from Ashburton. Such a lovely place and it is open to the public on selected days.
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful day. Must be quite a sight to see so many setters all in one spot.
ReplyDeleteBenji looks happy and healthy! He is lucky to have a little perch to look out the window and keep up with all the doings outside :)
Now if I knew how to transfer videos on to my blog, I could have captured the wonderful sight of Red Setters tearing round in mad circles, tongues lolling, fur flying, ears flapping, their beautiful auburn coats looking amazing in the sunlight.
DeleteBenji pinched the stool while I was busy in the kitchen; it's my footstool but it looks like I've lost it.
I'd been thinking about you today - and hey presto, here you are!
ReplyDeleteBenji is becoming a very photogenic dog. I especially love the second photo and the one where he is running. He looks so happy!
I kept thinking about your last comment, geeing me up to continue posting, so I thought I should obey! He is looking pretty good, isn't he, now that he's a bit slimmer.
DeleteThe more he loses, the faster he runs and the longer it takes to wear him out. But our long day out did the trick - he slept all the way home in the car, ate his dinner and slept all evening. Bless! We enjoyed a very relaxed day on Monday.
Gorgeous gardens and views, and lots of lovely dogs too - it looks like a great day out :)
ReplyDeleteIt really was, Eunice; tiring but very enjoyable. Great to see all those dogs and not one spat between them. The Setters have such lovely temperaments so the 'other breeds' follow suit and mix together nicely.
DeleteWonderful photos of all the Irish Setters together. We used to have an Irish Setter - lovely dog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Susan - and welcome to my blog. Hope to see you again. The Setters are very handsome dogs with that auburn fur and I love their temperament.
DeleteMy first dog was an Irish Setter. How I loved him! They are gorgeous creatures as is your Benji.
ReplyDeleteThank you - and good to see you again. I didn't know that you once had a Setter; they are lovely family dogs.
DeleteWhat an amazing day out. I can only imagine the setters all together, must have been a feast for the eyes, especially in such a beautiful setting.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a lovely place - I'd love to have taken photos of the toilets but it didn't seem the done thing, somehow. But they are HUGE! The toilet area also has a washroom,and somewhere to hang your outdoor clothing, obviously well used by the owners (lots of coats and hats hanging up, ready for all weathers when the dogs need walking) The toilet itself is encased in a varnished mahogany wood closet, with heavy wooden seat; there's a bookcase with large selection of reading matter - and a metal, engraved cistern high on the wall with a long chain and handle. Very 'Downton Abbey'.
DeleteWhat a wonderful place for dogs to be off lead. Rick would have loved it. Benji looks like he enjoyed himself.
ReplyDeleteHe did! I thought he'd stay close to me because of all the big dogs racing round, but he got quite excited and joined in happily. Lovely to see, for a Rescue Dog who had never been socialised until he came to me, age 6 and a half years. He was terrified when he first met another dog.
DeleteBenji is looking SO good and I'll bet he's feeling good too.
ReplyDeleteHe's a very happy little lad and full of energy, an escape artiste extraordinaire and thinks he is the worlds' best guard dog. A Bichon with a Rottweiler inside!
ReplyDeleteI think i'm in love with your dog, such a gorgeous face! (don't tell my 3 cats...)
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian. Your cats wouldn't like him one bit - he would chase them with murderous intent! Next door neighbours' cat only came into my garden once - never again. She sits where Benji can see her, on her side of the fence, washing herself, teasing him. He huffs and puffs and yaps at her but she knows he can't get at her. Naughty dog - and naughty cat!
DeleteAwww, bless . . . you have saved that little man's life, he's barely the same dog as the poor chap who came to you a couple of years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnd the setters are gorgeous - daft, but gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing with everyone. I know everything about you. It's great and it's great.
ReplyDeleteยุโรป