The Village Voice Feb/Mar 2019

THE DOG WALK DIET
If you and your furry friend are feeling a bit
like chubsters after all the indulgences of
the Christmas period, and you fancy
walking off a bit of that weight together,
then read on because we’ve got exactly
what you need: bracing sea air, stunning
views and perfect cosy pub to end up in.
It’s a sort of dog walk diet.
Our Keyhaven route is one that we’ve
devised specially for our dog walking Pet
Rangers, who, with the rest of our team,
managed to complete over eight thousand
dog walks for local customers in 2018,
which means we’ve taken the lead in dog
walking (geddit?).
Anyway, to the route. Keyhaven Sea Wall
is a lovely walk all year round. Follow
Keyhaven Road and turn left just before
the main car park. You'll go along a little
track, over a bridge and there's free
parking in the small car park by the
entrance to the Solent Way footpath.
Begin the walk from the car park, go
through the small gate. Walk along here
and follow the footpath, you can let your
dog off lead when safe to do so. You'll
notice a red dog waste bin at the start of
your walk; this is the only bin on the walk.
This is a walk with outstanding views. At
several different parts, the main path
allows you to go right down to the water
and follow another path that runs
alongside it. Be wary of birds and wildlife
along this walk though and, if necessary,
your dog may need to go back on lead.
Even in January, you’ll probably see some
enthusiasts, wrapped up warm, with big
binoculars looking at the wide variety of
wildlife here.
After 20 minutes or so you will come to
two gates; one on the higher path and one
to the left on a lower grass track. Take this
lower path and walk along here until you
come to the end of the straight section.
The path will bend left; at this point you
can either turn around and go back the
way you came if that’s enough for you
both, or continue further until you feel
ready to turn around and return back the
way you came.
If all this frankly seems too much like hard
work for you, but you’d nevertheless like
to give your dog a unique New Year treat
of some lovely, bracing walks like this, and
help them fight their festive flab at the
same time, then call us up on the old dog
and bone on 01425 262 100, or click
www.sophiespetcare.com and we’ll come
and pick them up
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