Meet my Pups
SQUISHUM
Suzie is our sweet old girl with a weathered heart, a rescue from Oak Tree Animals' Charity who’s been through more than she lets on. She’s shy and cautious around people, the kind of dog who won’t rush to greet you, but will watch from a distance with gentle eyes, weighing you up before slowly inching closer.
Her past has left its mark, but so has her incredible resilience. What truly brings Suzie to life is other dogs ... she adores them. It’s through her canine companions that she’s found confidence and connection. Watching her transform in the company of a wagging tail or a friendly sniff is a quiet kind of magic. She's taught me how much dogs can help each other heal, just by being there.
Suzie’s breath? Let’s be honest it could knock out a rhino. It's a special kind of potent, possibly a weapon in the wrong paws. But behind that dragon breath is the softest soul, loyal and loving in her own cautious way. She doesn’t need to be the centre of attention, just a quiet spot nearby and a dog friend or two.
Being part of Suzie’s world is a privilege. She reminds me that love isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s slow, hesitant, and wrapped in layers of trust that take time to unwrap. And once you're in, you’re in for life.
BAX
Our little Prince
A lovable, socially awkward Black Labrador with a heart as big as his curious eyes. Like many dogs who grew up during the COVID-19 lockdown, Baxter missed out on critical early social experiences. As a result, he's a bit nervous around new people and unfamiliar situations, often preferring to observe from the sidelines before cautiously stepping forward for a sniff or a tail wag.
Despite his quirks, Baxter is a sweet and friendly soul. He has a peculiar charm, whether it's the way he tilts his head when he's unsure or how he insists on taking the same route during walks, that makes him both endearing and unforgettable. He doesn’t always know how to “dog” in the usual way, but his gentle nature speaks volumes.
Raising Baxter has not only given me firsthand insight into the lingering effects of the lockdown on dogs, but it's also deepened my understanding and patience as a dog walker. Navigating his anxieties and celebrating his small victories, like confidently passing another dog or greeting a new person, has been a rewarding part of our journey together. Baxter reminds me daily that every dog is different, and their individual stories matter.
THE BARNACLE
Barnaby is our youngest Labrador ... a bright, affectionate soul who’s been through more than most dogs his age. Once the life of the park, Barnaby used to greet every dog like an old friend. But after being attacked twice, something in him changed. His world, once full of wagging tails and play bows, became a place of fear and uncertainty. His trust in other dogs was shaken, and he became reactive, not out of aggression, but out of anxiety and self-protection.
We knew he needed help, not punishment. So we’ve spent the past year working closely with the amazing team at Yorkshire Canine Academy, focusing on rebuilding his confidence and showing him that we’ve always got his back. It’s been a journey, one with setbacks and breakthroughs, but Barnaby is doing so much better.
He is still learning, still healing, but every day he reminds us of the power of patience, structure, and trust. Through this experience, I’ve gained invaluable insight into reactivity, how it presents, what triggers it, and most importantly, how to support dogs who are navigating it.
And it’s important to say this clearly: Barnaby is not a bad dog. He’s brilliant with people and absolutely adores children. His soft, goofy nature shines through when he’s around them. He’s just a good dog who had bad experiences. With understanding, training, and love, he's finding his way back.
Barnaby has taught me that every reactive dog deserves a chance, and a person who won’t give up on them.