Mandy

Park Farm fields are looking pretty water-logged in places. But it's good that the snow has mostly been washed away by the overnight rain.

We met Mandy on our walk round Park Farm fields this morning. She's a black lab who we have seen once or twice a week, every week for the last five years or so. She is very nervous of other dogs (even Harris!) and will run onto the fields, through the crops to avoid another dog coming towards her on the path.

The story is that she was attacked as a youngster by a staffie-cross. The dog was a farm dog and was guarding a piggery. Mandy and her owner were out for a walk when the incident happened. Mandy suffered a very serious injury and it seems that although she healed well physically, she never recovered from the experience psychologically. This is such a shame when I think about all the play and socialising that Mandy as a six year old dog has missed out on. Her owners doubt now that she will ever change.

Today, I was surprised to see for the first time ever, Mandy being walked on the lead by her mistress rather than her master who always let's her run free.

So, for the first time ever, Harris met Mandy! Sweet!