Dogs in the Heat

A Welshie Big Adventure in England

Winston cooling off during a walk in the Forest of Dean.

For most of this Welshie Big Adventure, the weather has been cool and rainy.  I don’t mind the rain and actually enjoy weather that hovers around the mid-50s. 

As Sofie indicated in her guest post, weather in the UK can be fickle.  And the past five days were particularly challenging for all of us.  The temperature reached almost 90 on several days and we have no air-conditioning or even fans, in the house.

Maisie and Winston struggle in hot weather.  They prefer to lounge in an air-conditioned house or spread out on a cool floor.  Back in the U.S., Winston enjoys spending time in a kiddie pool with a tennis ball so that he can play and cool himself at the same time.

Maisie runs away at the sound of water, even though she droops like an unwatered flower in the heat.  She hates water, so unless I physically put her in the pool she steers clear.  And even after being placed in the pool she is out in a hurry.  Bathing Maisie is always a bit of an ordeal because of her dislike of water.

Sheep resting in the shade near White Horse Hill.

Here in Stow-on-the-Wold, we have no kiddie pool, and as the heat cranked up both inside and out, the tile floors ceased providing much relief.  After two miserable evenings with next to no sleep, I messaged the owners and told them of our plight.

We limited our walks with them to the evening and made sure they had a bowl of water at the pub.

Zach messaged back the location of the fans in a storage shed, and we cleaned the cobwebs off and brought them inside.  Sadly, the house was so steamy that the fans were of little help that night. 

With every window open and the fans attempting to push the hot air out, Maisie, Winston, and I all sat around panting and sweating, feeling sorry for ourselves.

I thought about the pool back in Virginia and then had an idea.  Heading into the bathroom, I filled the tub with about three inches of icy cold water.  Grabbing Winston from the bed, where he looked so pathetic with his tongue hanging out heavily panting, I placed him in the tub.

I am so hot!

Sitting on the edge of the tub with our six feet in the water, I gently splashed my own legs feeling the cool seeping up my calves.  Winston looked uncertain how he should react to this new feeling because tubs usually mean getting washed.

But here he was, with me sitting next to him, as I played in the water.  He stood looking at me as I cupped the water in my hands and let it pour down my legs.

Giving him a pat on the head, I spoke to him soothingly.  Gradually I could see him relax, his panting beginning to slow down.

We left our feet in the refreshing water for about ten minutes.  While the fan continued pushing warm air towards me, the cold water had the requisite effect of bringing down my core temperature.  Such bliss.

That night, we both slept on a bed moving as little as possible.  Sometime around 5:30 in the morning, the ambient air turned much colder and I pulled a cover over my body.

We made frequent stops on our Forest of Dean hike.

Dogs Staying Home

Even though this is the Welshie Big Adventure, as long as the high heat persists we will not bring the dogs with us on long midday hikes or explorations.  Their feet would get hot on the pavement and watching them panting as hard as they were does not feel safe or look fun.

Walking the footpath to The Fox Inn.

So, we limit our walks to mornings or after dinner instead. Fortunately The Fox Inn in Broadwell is about a forty minute walk down the Monarch's Way and a quiet lane.

Taking a rest break during a morning walk.

While Brian and I enjoyed a beverage, Winston and Maisie watched a very large Basset Hound roll around on the grass. Walking home as the sun began to set, I realized that even something as small as a walk to the pub can be an adventure.

Titled the White Gate

A poem in the forest.

An old railroad tie carved with nature scenes.

We also took some time to explore the shadier areas of the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail and Foxhole Nature Preserve. With several different options for trail lengths we were able to get out and enjoy nature on wooded paths, and mostly in the shade.

An early morning hike through Foxhole Nature Preserve today.

Getting Ready For Our Next Move

Soon, our time in England will come to a close.  We head to the Lake District for a brief stay this Saturday and then travel to Scotland’s Isle of Skye. 

The temperature in Skye is much cooler than here and the prediction is for several days of rain.  On behalf of all of us, I say bring on the rain!

Even this bird is struggling in the heat to stay cool.

If you have enjoyed reading this post, and would like to receive regular updates from me, please consider subscribing to my Blog.