Apologies, I've been a little quiet recently. I had a very long grovel at the start of this post, but I would really like to address that as a different subject in another post, which I am currently working on!
Looking back, I really don't feel like I had a very busy July.. I don't really feel like any months are busy for me. Apart from back in April, when my boyfriend & I embarked on 2 weeks in the USA! If you don't already follow me on Instagram and want to know more in depth about what I got up to then all the highlights are here!
Surprisingly, it was very fun filled and fairly interesting! :)
A Day At The Dogs Trust.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough spend the day at the Dogs Trust. This is something I have wanted to do for so long. I was very excited, because this was the sponsored charity my work had chosen for the year, so me and another member of staff got a day out to go and help them.
When we arrived, we had a quick health and safety brief, got introduced to some of the staff members and shown around the centre. It was really interesting to see how big the centre actually is and what each part specialises in.
In the morning, we helped out with odd jobs around the centre aka. Cleaning, Sweeping up and making re-homing packs for the dogs.
We actually met 3 dogs who were going to be re-homed the same day, which was really exciting, as they were all so adorable! How I didn't actually walk out of there with all of the dogs, I'm not sure. It took a lot of will power!
Thankfully, the majority of the dogs in there aren't found abandoned, most people just give their dog up because they physically can't look after them any more, or their personal circumstances change. It was re-assuring to know that not everyone abandons their animals, but also sad because these dogs never know when they will find a home.
On a positive note, it's really humbling how many people actually go out of their way to donate valuable resources to the centre. When we were out in the courtyard, lots of people turned up and asked where they needed to put old blankets, food etc.
Faith in humanity.. Restored!
We got sent off for lunch which was an hour and a half.. Crazy right?!
After some awkward encounters in the staff room, we decided to head into Shoreham High Street, to see if we could find a nice coffee shop. Shoreham has so many I swear?!
We found one called 'Tom Foolery' .. Considering I drive through the high street every monday morning, I had never seen it before! It is the cutest little place I have ever seen.. I would recommend to anyone who lives close by. :)
Upon our return came the fun part.. Dog socialising and walking!
The first 2 dogs were a chocolate Labrador called Lola and a mixed breed called Saffie.
We headed to the nearby beach with them and gave them a good stroll and lots of cuddles.
We then had a huge, but gorgeous Rottweiler (which I am desperately trying to remember the name of!) and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Humphrey - he was honestly the softest dog ever. It's amazing to see the bond between 2 dogs when they are paired in a kennel together. It's almost heartbreaking to see, because you know they will undoubtedly be re-homed separately.
We then had a Whippet and another Staffie called Kerry, who I actually got licked to death by! She was the sweetest little soul and I definitely had a soft spot for her. People get staffies all wrong most of the time - they are actually a very soft and loyal breed, providing they are brought up right.
I know this is going to sound cliche, but a dog really is for life and not just for Christmas. If you could see how many dogs there are behind the scenes and how many dogs are very troubled by day to day life, it's really eye opening.
To think there are 20 other centres, not taking into account all the other rescue places around the world, that is a lot of dogs without homes. If you are thinking about getting a dog, please consider realistically if it's actually feasible. Don't just get a dog without thinking it through!
On another note, if you are seriously thinking of re-homing a dog, please visit the Dog's Trust website here to see where your nearest centre is. It will be the most rewarding thing you ever do! :)
Disclaimer: I have not been asked by the Dogs Trust to write this, and I have linked all the dogs that are available on the website. Sadly my memory is too rubbish to remember the other dogs names without seeing a photo and some are not listed on the website. All opinions are my own.
Graduation Day!
First up, I just want to say a MASSIVE congratulations to my best friend Viv, for graduating last month to be a teacher! Words can't explain how proud I am. I know how bloody hard
she worked throughout the course, so I'm happy I could briefly make it down :)
I managed to whizz down on my lunch break (hence I look atrociously un-smart) and even blagged a free glass of bubbly! Yum!
Summer Dog Walks.
A few weeks back, was the first day off that Jack and I have spent together in a very long time! We had the loveliest morning walking his dogs on the beach, and to top it off we got back to a huge legendary fry-up from his Mum! We all mooched into the nearby high street and ended up at the pub for an afternoon bevvy.. Because why the heck not?!
Lewes Castle & The Only Country Pub In Glynde.
Lewes has to be the most picturesque town ever.
Me and Viv originally met up in Lewes to explore this old abandoned school, which was infact abandoned and all boarded up.. After taking about 4 wrong turns to desperatley looking for somewhere to park, we finally met up and embarked on our advetures!
We went for a little stroll around the castle,then randomly headed off in the little red Yaris to find a country pub! We finally, after about half an hour of detours, found a nice place to drink.. Dying of thirst by this point!
This has to be the most hilarious evening of antics and terrible selfies I have had in a very long time. If it hadn't of been for this girl over the last few months, I think I would have lost all my sanity!
Viv managed to lock her keys in the car whilst I laughed and we ended up playing a very BAD game of darts, whilst we waited for the spare pair of keys!
Picnics and Sunsets on Beachy Head.
So I really wasn't lying when I said I liked picnics and beach dates in my recent 'Summer Tag' post.
This was slightly daunting, because I am terrified of heights. Sometimes you have to face your fears to have fun!
We mainly came up for the sunset (Yes, I do more romantic activities with my friend)
It's so peaceful up there and really nice to chill out. Such beautiful scenery. We scoffed Doritos and drank a good old Kopparberg, before heading back for an amazing homemade dinner!
'Roseys Beer Fest' Joe's 30th Birthday.
This was such a good way to spend a Saturday!
Although this was a few weeks ago, it was the perfect day to have a birthday BBQ in the sun. I saw so many old faces that I haven't seen in forever & did lots of childlike activties such as Frisbee and Snap. It was so nice to catch up, get pretty merry and take endless amounts of weird selfies with everyone enjoying themselves.
I know how much effort Viv put in to make this an unforgettable day, and it didn't disappoint - it wasn't even my birthday!
Here's the nicer photos that made the cut ;)
What have you been up to lately? :)
Tania xo