Van Looking Great

This old crate has been with me from Blanik Bus No. 1. I had hoped to paint it before it went into the Trafic, but because it was a couple of extra weeks arriving, well I didn't get time. 

Excuse the dirty footprints but after 6 hrs of rain that is yet to sink into the ground, well, it couldn't be helped. The mat I initially had in the walkway is now under the cage and no sooner had I put the other mat down than it disappeared into Mr S' shed! 

The new Savic cages are a little bit more expensive than I would normally pay for a cage, but they are at the top of the standard sizes and have the extra height we needed to the length and width. The crate, called a Savic Dog Residence and is 91 x 61 x 71 Cm (L x W x H). A standard large crate is usually nearer 66 cm in height, (though they can vary from 63cms to 71cms) . The girls will fit comfortably into these Savic crates, though when possible, Meerah will be travelling in the back in the old crates! 

Evri Driver

We have a farm gate onto our three-acre property. There is a sign, "Do Not Enter - Dogs Running Free" on the gate. There is a further gate into the yard and house with a similar but humorous sign. The Evri driver ignored both signs and came into the yard. With the door from the cottage into the yard open, the dogs charged out, he managed to quickly reverse out before the dogs got there. No harm done – but what if one of the dogs had got to him and bitten him? How would I stand according to the law? I know that using the words "Danger" or "Beware" on signs leaves us open to prosecution, as it could be misconstrued as demonstrating knowledge of a dangerous dog, but I thought I was safe with "Dogs Running Free!" Anyway, I asked Gemini and I thought I'd share the reply! 

If one of your dogs had bitten the Evri driver, you would likely be facing severe criminal liability as well as civil compensation claims under UK law.

Many owners assume warning signs or double gates create a complete legal shield, but under English and Welsh law, warning signs do not exempt an owner from legal responsibility when a delivery driver enters private land.

1. Criminal Liability (Dangerous Dogs Act 1991)

Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, it is a criminal offence to allow a dog to be "dangerously out of control" in any place in England and Wales—including private property (your yard, drive, or fields).

• The Delivery Driver Exemption: The law includes a specific "householder defence" that protects owners if a dog bites a trespasser inside a dwelling. However, delivery drivers, postal workers, and utility meters readers have implied license (legal right) to enter a property to deliver goods.

• Why the sign doesn't clear you: Legally, an implied license to enter exists unless it is physically prevented (e.g., a locked gate with a drop-box/intercom at the boundary). A driver entering through an unlocked gate to make a requested delivery is not considered a criminal trespasser in the eyes of the court.

• Potential Penalties: If a dog bites someone who has a right to be on the land, the police can prosecute the owner/person in charge. Penalties include an unlimited fine, up to 5 years in prison (for an attack causing injury), and a mandatory destruction order for the dog unless you can prove it is not a danger to the public.

2. The "Beware of Dog" Sign Trap

In both criminal and civil proceedings, putting up a sign that says "Do Not Enter - Dogs Running Free" can actually be used by the prosecution or a claimant to demonstrate knowledge. Under the Animals Act 1971, showing that you knew your dogs had a propensity to act aggressively or guard territory when loose makes strict liability much easier to establish in court.

3. Civil Liability (Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 & Personal Injury)

The injured driver could sue you for damages (medical costs, loss of earnings, trauma). Under the Occupiers' Liability Act, landowners owe a duty of care to ensure visitors are reasonably safe. Courts typically hold that if you expect deliveries, you must provide a safe method for couriers to drop off items without coming into contact with loose dogs.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Dogs Going Forward

Because drivers often work under severe time pressures and ignore written notices, physical barriers are the only legal protection:

• Lock the Outer Gate: Keep the outer gate at the boundary locked so physical entry is impossible.

• Boundary Parcel Box: Install a heavy-duty parcel box and letterbox at the perimeter gate, paired with a sign instructing: "All Deliveries Leave in Box Here – Do Not Enter."

• Delivery Instructions: Update your delivery accounts (Evri, Amazon, Royal Mail) with explicit delivery notes to leave parcels in the external box at the main gate.

The Chance Of Water?

                             

A lovely warm morning of light rain, and we loved it. Of course we'll need a lot more rain to have water running out of our taps, maybe 40 days and 40 nights? There is hope of more rain next week, but though my neighbours dismiss the idea I do wonder if the heavy vehicles in the quarry have caused a leak. Where else would that running water be coming from? 

My Family

3 Months

Zavi is 3 months old today, he's quite the chunk at 14.7 kg, a kg and a half heavier than Orin was at the same age but only about a cm taller at 44 cm at withers. Orin really put bulk on after 3 months, it will be interesting to see where they compare at 4 and 5 months.  

Everyone On The Mountain

Our Show Day

A very early start to Builth for the second day of Wales' biggest all-breed Champ Show. We are lucky to have a friend on the committee who sneaks us in to a great parking spot as close as is possible to the breed ring.

I took Zavi with me; the experience of being in that kind of environment was invaluable. I took him in with Beti, her confidence could only be beneficial to him. The little boy did so well and coped with everything that was thrown at him during the day. He loved seeing Paul and Nicola, his breeders; it just shows how much they gave that litter that he still loves to see them. 

I had to giggle when someone who I expected to know better asked me, "Is that Ro's pup?" I said no, this is mine, his brother. Her reply, "Well these long coats all look the same to me!"  Well!!!!

Orin was the first of my clan to go in in the morning and afternoon. Two shows, two judges, two different opinions. Orin was last in the morning, the judge saying his eyes were distracting and that he lacked the attributes of the first two. Yeah I was a little deflated but more encouraged in the afternoon by his second place. I love this dog so much, but I've played this game long enough to get it! 

Meeah was a handful, as usual! She stood alone in her class in the morning and was last of three in the second show. Though I heard her described as a beautiful colour "for a sable", I latched on to more of the negatives really. He said her front was too straight and that she rolls over her back on the move. He went on to say that she has far too much length to her second thigh and rear pastern. Again, I see it, but some encouraging words would have helped - all dogs have some attributes, don't they?

My beautiful Beti is not looking her best, but she's managed to pull it out of the bag and won her class under both judges. The judge doing the verbal critiques was very complimentary, and I tried my best to remember his words. "The standout winner of the class. Beautiful head and expression, firm back and correct hind angulation. The front is a little straight, a very exuberant female, maybe a little too exuberant. One to watch for the future." (He didn't mention her tatty coat, thankfully!)  Well yeah, that made up for his lack of positivity about Orin and Meerah. 

Having left home at 5am we got home just after 9pm, a long day but a fun day with my lovely dogs and a great bunch of friends. We have so much fun and I love driving my new van, though the pleasure of the drive on the way home was reduced dramatically by the blindingly low sun!

Mummy Mattie

Out of coat but looking pretty impressive considering she has just had a litter. 

WKC And NWGSD

A super day at WKC and NWGSD shows. Thanks to everyone who made it a fun day. Beti was first in PGB at both shows, and thanks to Steve Cox for his lovely words about her. Orin was 2nd and 3rd in open (out of three!!) and Meerah stood alone in WKC and was last in NWGSD. The drive down was stunning, the drive home a bit of a nightmare with the low sun. Baby Zavi had a great time, thanks to all the babysitters and the people who took 5 minutes of their time to cuddle him or talk to him, that meant a lot to me. He was proud to see his Mummy Mattie was 3rd in mixed L/C class in WKC and second in the L/C female class in NWGSD.

Dinas Walks

We haven't been on this walk in a while, but with the cattle gone it's an ideal walk for a change of scenery.

Someone little came too and had a walk with Granny Sammi. 

It's a super place for 7 out of the 8 to have time off lead. Little legs trying to keep up with his grandmother. 

As you do!!!