It's that time of year - paw prints tracking through the house and droplets of muddy water misted across 'buttermilk' walls in the utility room and kitchen.  My washer and fridge are unrecognisable as 'white goods' and the all-permeating smell of steaming, wet dog greets any visitor brave enough to venture through the door (the car absolutely 'pen and inks').  I know the recent rain that has turned our local walks into mud baths means that the hose-pipe ban of the last year has to be off - hurrah, but I have had enough of washing down fur, picking gravel out of eight paws and towel drying my dogs twice a day.

The soil in this area has a high clay content and this sticks in-between their pads like dried-on Weetabix, glueing anything that it comes into contact with immediately to their feet. (Has anyone considered using Weetabix as an industrial strength adhesive?) By the time Barney and Betty have made it down our gravel drive they are two inches taller and 'tap' across the patio better than Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  I live less tha 20 yards from a public footpath leading to open countryside but in desperation I have taken to driving my dogs for a walk at a local dis-used airfield where they can trot along clean tarmac and frolic through long wet grass without becoming caked in glorious mud.  Any tips anyone on keeping the dirt levels and smell under control? (Suggestions for the dogs as well please!)

20,000 dog lovers - we can do it!

We don't ask for much in return for providing this wonderful site, and all the pleasure you get from it, (donation buttons are everywhere on the site don't forget) so please can you make it your mission this week to tell a friend about the site and help them register and settle into their new kennels.

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