“The last week before Christmas is flying past in a flurry of snow, parties and last-minute preparations – all of which appear to appeal greatly to our eight-month-old black Labrador-Retriever cross, Ruby.

The snow is of particular fascination, and she has run around madly in it, rolled over and over (what is the dog-equivalent of snow angels?), eaten it and attempted to catch the flakes directly into her mouth!

Today I walked around a couple of snow-covered fields near our village where there are no crops or livestock and Ruby was able to run free with our other two dogs. I am not exactly sure of the rules of their game, but they seem to take it in turns to chase each other, lying in wait to pounce then realising that they were about to be pounced on themselves before scampering off in a mini-snow storm.

Ruby managed to stay still for one quick photo call by a gate, but, otherwise, it was all-out fun-filled play!

Which was very much in-keeping with an enjoyable and very social gathering earlier in the week, when we attended a Dogs for the Disabled Event for Puppy Socialisers and Temporary Boarders at their Training Centre near Banbury.

Around 100 people were present plus puppies in various stages of training, and the Charity Team ran an enjoyable morning of puppy party games (musical ‘Sit’ and ‘Down’ competitions, a relay race and a surprise visit by Father Christmas with a sack full of puppy treats!) followed by a delicious lunch (for the humans) and an awards ceremony to say ‘Thank You’ to the Charity’s supporters.

I was delighted to receive a glass award in recognition of the 12-months Puppy Socialising I have previously completed with our first puppy, Winnie.

It was a lovely way to complete the year supporting Dogs for the Disabled, and I would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas, and look forward to sharing more of Ruby’s progress with you in the New Year.”