When pets BEHAVE BADLY
So, the latest on my very naughty 18-month-old golden cocker spaniel, Scamper, is that I can’t stop him disappearing! On a recent walk, I let him off the lead in a field that I thought was safe for a run around. One squawk of a pheasant later and Scamper had shot off into the nearby woods. I went chasing after him, shouting his name wildly. I couldn’t find him until I heard lots of barking. Following the sound, I went charging through the undergrowth, half fearing what I might see. Then, to my joy, I saw lovely fellow dog walker Anne (who has Duffy the golden retriever I’ve mentioned before on this page) with Scamper, safely hooked on to her dog’s lead. By chance, she’d been walking nearby and had managed to catch him. That’s what all the barking had been about – Scamper was far from happy at being caught! I realise I need many more visits to our dog trainer, Paul, who assures me that he’ll get Scamper under control somehow. People with dog know-how are such life-savers and it’s why I’m delighted to have the star of TV’S Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly, Graeme Hall, in this month’s Prima (page 42). He answers all your questions on how best to manage your pets. I was going to ask him about Scamper but I fear he might think we’re a lost cause! I’d also like to say a big thanks to reader Diane Holdcroft for her suggestion of a special lead to stop Scamper pulling, it’s working a treat. I hope you enjoy this issue and do let me know your naughty pet stories, too.
KNITTING FOR GOOD
I recently visited a remarkable charity called Knit for Peace – an initiative of the Charities Advisory Trust founded by Dame Hilary Blume. They do some incredible work, distributing thousands of donated knitted items to those in need in hospitals, women’s refuges, refugee drop-in centres and community groups. Dame Hilary and Prima are planning to launch a campaign together, so get your knitting needles at the ready and look out in our June issue for news of our exciting project. Together,
I think we will make a real difference.