As we welcome in the New Year we take a look back on a year in the life of Dotty4Paws and share with you our best dog friendly adventures.
Well, that was 2021, blink and you missed it! It’s hard to believe that we’ve endured another year of navigating Covid and living with restrictions.
Whilst the world is still a far cry from what we may consider ‘normal,’ we’ve come a long way from those dark days of March 2020 when we were promised lockdown would be a matter of weeks!
With ‘jabs in our arms,’ society is gradually returning to something more recognisable. Though I can’t help but think the nation’s dogs would like working from home to become the new norm!
So as 2021 draws to a close, I thought I’d share some of the hi-lights of our year from Dotty HQ. Covid restrictions have forced me to live a dog-centric lifestyle and I have to say I rather love it!
Spending all day every day with Pops and Gertie is somewhat of a privilege. And [at the risk of sounding anti-social!] if, like me, you prefer to spend your time with canines, Covid provides the perfect excuse to avoid too much human contact!
A Year of Dog-Friendly Getaways
Despite lockdown not ending until April, we’ve managed to get away for more dog-friendly breaks than ever this year! Well and truly making up for our ‘holiday drought’ of 2020!
A mixture of holidays and blogs has meant we’ve got to explore new parts of the country and revisit some of our old favourites.
By some miracle, lovely weather has followed us on our travels. A few glorious days in Devon kick-started our holiday season in April where we stayed at Oakdown Holiday Park. It was the perfect way to celebrate the easing of restrictions and the dogs were elated to feel the sand between their paws again after months of Wiltshire-bound walkies.
You can read all about our stay here.
In November we were invited by East Ruston Cottages to stay at Hidden Gem – a gorgeous cosy little cottage in Winterton on Sea, Norfolk. Just a stone’s throw from the sand dunes, we were spoilt with miles of sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery, and even some seal spotting!
Norfolk really does take some beating when it comes to dog-friendly destinations.
You can read all about our stay here.
With a combination of postponed Christmas reservations (thank you Covid!), birthday celebrations, and my parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, we’ve had the honour of sampling some of our other Dotty4Paws listings too. I always like to support those who support us where I can.
From Cornwall to Cumbria
At the end of May we ventured to the Cumbrian coast and spent a week basking in the sunshine (yes I know Cumbria and sunshine – a rare combo!) We stayed at West View Beach House – a gorgeous secluded little cottage right on the beach.
Sunset drenched evenings in the hot tub, with uninterrupted views of the ocean, were the perfect way to relax and unwind.
In July, we headed to Suffolk where we celebrated my birthday at Letheringham Water Mill. I’d heard so many amazing things about this place, but it exceeded all my expectations.
It is a doggy paradise! Luxury accommodation, coupled with acres of beautifully manicured gardens and wildflower meadows. Pops and Gerts were in their element, able to roam free to their heart’s content and socialise with fellow canine guests. I swear Pops spent more of her holiday in next door’s cottage than ours!
A cancelled Christmas reservation (thanks to Covid) meant that in September we returned to Brecon Retreat for our annual dose of rest and relaxation.
And in October we enjoyed our first family holiday in 15 years and celebrated my parent’s Golden Wedding at The Old Barn Tregonetha in Cornwall. I think the fact we’ve already booked again for 2022 says how much we loved this place!
I’ve shared photos of our adventures in our Instagram stories if you want a further peek.
Dotty4Paws turned 6!
In between galavanting around the country, I’ve still found plenty of time to grow and develop my little Dotty4Paws empire. It’s hard to believe that in March Dotty4Paws turned 6!
As well as welcoming lots of new businesses to our pack in 2021, we’ve been busy writing reviews for some amazing doggy products and implementing lots of new ideas that I have for the website. [It’s a total labour of love!]
My passion for photography continues to grow, and I’m starting to incorporate my self-taught hobby into business life too. I think it’s safe to say that Pops and Gerts are now more papped than the average celebrity! [Only by me – don’t get too excited!]
Their little furry face can now be seen on many websites, and I’ve extended our range of advertising packages to include brand photography. Nothing makes me more proud than seeing my images used in other people’s marketing.
Dotty4Paws In the News
2021 has also been a year in which Dotty4Paws has received lots of media coverage. We’ve featured in INews, The Daily Star, The Telegraph, and Dog’s Life magazine. In fact, Bert the Tortoise even featured in The Sun – thanks to our good friend Rachel Spencer.
On a more personal note, I was commissioned to write an article about infertility for The Metro. It’s a subject very close to my heart and something I strongly believe needs to be talked about more openly to prevent others from feeling the same sense of isolation that I did.
Canine Companion Day
Earlier in the year, I was very proud to have a new national day approved in the events calendar. The first-ever Canine Companion Day took place on 2nd October and was a huge success, reaching over 3.8 million people.
I was overwhelmed by the number of dog lovers who got involved, including TV dog trainer Graeme Hall! Canine Companion Day is an annual event, so stand by your dog beds ready for the next one!
Bring on 2022!
As we say goodbye to yet another year, I’m going to make a promise to myself – to be as contented and happy as I have been in 2021.
I absolutely love running my little business. It’s my dream come true and none of it would be possible without your support. Without you, there would be now us, so thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and hairy 2022!
Woofs and Wags
Kate, Pops and Gertie
xox