How am I going to look after and manage my dogs?

Let’s be clear: the dogs are my life. There’s no doubt about their importance to me. That’s why they have their own Instagram account (just kidding), their own saddlebags, and their own blog.

Labs are prone to joint issues and osteoarthritis. I never thought I needed to give this much attention, at least, not yet. But, Dr Watson is 9, and Cpt Hastings is 7 – and it seems in dog years, they are much older (and much wiser), than I usually give them credit for.

A while back, the young one (I still call him that) had an injury. It’s soft tissue / muscular and it’s scared the !!!* out of me. Because, unlike in previous years, the recovery is taking forever. I’ve taken him to the vet and they’re sure of the diagnosis. And Hastings does want to go out and be his excited self, so there is no suggestion he’s in pain or unwilling to move. Thank the Lord.

Still, having the trip in my mind, I decided to put both on YuMove. An herbal dog product that is scientifically proven to improve mobility.

That’s one of the worries dealt with at least.

But there is another that’s much bigger: food! Each dog needs about 400g each day. And I’m already schlepping the rucksack, tent, mat, dog mats, sleeping bag, clothes, etc.  plus 2kg of dog food. Initially, I was optimistic and thought I could manage 6kg. But after realizing that I would need a tent (just in case), I also realized that I wasn’t going to be able to carry an additional 6kg dog food.  I’m also going to carry 2L of water at least to provide the dogs with water, where there is not water to be had and when it’s very hot. And, I have collapsible light-weight bowls too.

Therefore, I’ll buy food as we go along. Luckily, being labs, they have robust tummies.

I will also have a supply of the all-important ‘pooh’ bags with me!

I’ve also got liability cover for the dogs, just in case they caused any damage. They are fabulous dogs, but if something catches their fancy they might be daft enough to run into the road. Fingers crossed they’ll behave.

Other things I need to think about for the dogs:

• The usual routine will be 3-4 hours walking a day, so they’re well into the walking already.

• Over time, I’ll up the walking to between 5-6 hours a day, gradually and even then, it will not be continuous, but with plenty of breaks.

• Where appropriate, they will walk off lead as much as possible. I have bungee leads for open spaces, but where lead walking is needed. And in towns and places where they might otherwise steal ice creams, they’ll be on short leads.

• During the first part of the walk, it’s the time for breeding and settling of birds, rabbits, deer and other wild life, so I will keep them on a lead at this time, or under close control.

• Sleeping. We’ve done trips before and they’re happy to sleep on their mats wherever we are. However, we have not yet camped before which will be a steep learning curve for all of us.

• My vet knows of the trip and is available on the phone for any queries along the route. Plus, we will be able to go to vets along the way.

• As much as possible, the walk will be on track, off road. Dogs feet can burn when walking on tarmac in very hot weather. So, my route will be along tracks, in the countryside, where I won’t have to worry about them getting burnt paws!

• Whilst walking in grass, particularly in fields, there is the chance of ticks, fleas and other creepy-crawlies getting into their thick fur. However, they are treated regularly, and even if ticks bury themselves in the fur, they die soon afterward. Their regular treatment protects the boys from getting infested or ill from other diseases they bugs might be carrying.

• Also, if it is extremely wet, they have their own microlight towels and they’ll have their bathrobes, which will give a bit of extra protection if needs be.

• They have all their jabs and a European passport (in case we decide to change the route on the fly).

If you’d like to follow how my walk is going, please follow my blog on www.thewanderlustcoach.com

or follow the boys on Instagram: www.instagram.com/watsonandhastings/