Village Dogs & Cats . . .

If any business, product, anything is animal friendly, they automatically have my money and my business. Just the way I’ve always been. Animals have always been important to me and have always been a major part of my life. Part of the reason I love Europe and the UK as much as I do is because of the way they care for and love their dogs and cats. I also love how they’re allowed, with proper behavior, just about anywhere across the pond.

So I was impressed when we arrived at the Millstone to see these two displays for dogs. And over the three day stay, I got to interact and meet some of them.

How cool is this! Take your dog with you for a couple hours to the pub and let him socialize too! And while there, if he’s thirsty or hungry, why you can purchase some treats or a meal for him. Now, I like that!!!

Seeing dogs and cats when I’m out and about anytime warms my heart. But especially so when I’m far from home and my own babies. I was thrilled to meet Hugo, the English Bulldog, shortly after we arrived at the Millstone. Claire, his owner, lives down the street and had popped in for a pint and to socialize with her local friends. Over three days I very much enjoyed the chatting that I got to have with her. Hugo is 4 years old and a love. It was clearly obvious he loves visiting the local pub with his mum. He gets lots of attention and treats. He was my favorite.

And then there was George, the cat. Cute story about him. He’s the self-appointed village cat but spends most of his time at the Millstone. Alan, the local who lives across the street, told us the original owners of George broke up. The wife moved just down the street and had taken George. However, George had other ideas. He kept going back to the village and the Millstone and then decided to set up residence with Alan and his wife. They welcomed him, got him chipped, vaccinated, etc. and although he wandered all around the village, especially inside the pub, he always came home each night to Alan’s home. For six years! And then, guess wanderlust set in again. He continued to stay in the village, getting fed by various residents and also spending the night inside their homes or the Millstone. One evening he was sitting by the entrance door of the pub and we let him out (after getting permission from the staff) and he promptly crossed the street, jumped the stone wall and headed toward the house there.

I really liked George. He was his own cat and lived life on his terms! Here’s one of the staff holding him so I could get a photo and another of him walking around the pub. He wasn’t exceptionally affectionate but he sure was cute!

On Sunday evening when we returned to the Millstone after the brunch, we arrived to find the pub more crowded than usual, with everyone gathered around the TV. They were glued to the football game between England and Slovakia. I’m not kidding when I say this is a big, really big deal to them! Their football is what we call soccer here in the US and I have to admit I don’t really follow it.

The pub seemed unusually quiet for so many people watching a sports event. I quickly found out why. England was losing. But not long after, the pub erupted in cheers and laughter. They scored a tie! And then…………England finished the game by beating Slovakia! Go, England!

And I also have to admit I got quickly caught up in the anxiety when the game was tie and when they won? Well, this Yankee cheered and laughed and celebrated right along with the Brits! It was a lot of fun.

And OF course, the locals brought their dogs to the pub for the game. Actually, Claire was there without Hugo and I gasped when I inquired where he was and I think I made her feel bad because not longer after, she reappeared with Hugo in tow. She said, “He was home alone sulking and I felt bad.” (Well done,Terri….lol)

Here’s a couple of the other local dogs there for the game.

Well, that’s it for this time. Join me next time for my final entry from my England visit and Julien and Roisin’s wedding.

See you then……………….