Woodland Paws

01/03/2026

Sometimes, there's one that catches you out. We're 5 weeks on, and I still want to see her in the diary and it didn't happen! 😭 At just 7½ Cassie got poorly very quickly, and was diagnosed with Horners Syndrome. She stretched out every moment she could, and his it all, until she couldn't 💔

In March 2019 I had a call from a young lad who wanted me to start walking his mum's dog. She struggled with her mobility and she wanted the best for Cassie!

Of course I said yes, and went to meet, a 6 month old, docked, and cropped Doberman. I'm not a breedist in the slightest, and this goofball of a girl rocked into our lives! If there was ever an oxymoron, Cassie's looks and her personality were it!

What a tinker in the beginning, she was a monkey, her ears had not been placed in the listening position, but her tiny little stump gave the cutest little wiggle.

If you could personify free spirited it would be Cassie. She never gave a hoot, she took everything in her stride, she taught puppies how to be naughty ;) and scream in the van when we rocked up to a walk, and that girl stayed a puppy forever!

As she matured... To a fashion... she enjoyed tracking deer and running through the woods, in her high Viz waterproof, because she'd convinced her mum that rain was the worst thing in the world... Which she always forgot when she stepped out of the van 😆

She would be waiting at the window ears pricked watching for the van, and then the on the spot zoomies, combined with a bit of sofa parkour would begin. Mum, a chatterbox, always used to want to fill us in on all the gossip, much to Cassie's delight... Not... She would stare into your soul "stop talking let's go" only to come back from her walk a couple of hours later, to convince her mum she'd had a terrible time, and must immediately try for a second attempt.

There is NO denying that Cassie had us demented at times, but if her lesson was anything, it was to live it all, every moment you're given at full speed and maximum enjoyment, and ALWAYS dish out kisses! Until next time sweetheart 💜💛

X###

26/12/2025

A shout out for another new start up business, the daughter of one of our clients, the most beautiful embroidery I ever did see! Feel like I probably need to start a shopping list 🙏😍

A beautiful gift from the very beautiful ! I'm not sure I was posh enough to receive such a gift! Incredible quality, beautifully made, and exquisitely wrapped!

26/12/2025

Shout out to our lovely client Gemma, Blackman's Blooms, who earlier this year decided that following her passion was the way forward!

Ever an advocate for this, I've been buying bouquets from Gemma throughout the year. Of course when she said she was making Christmas Bouquets and Wreaths I popped my order in with plenty of time!!!

Christmas flowers all round and they're just beautiful!
I think a monthly flowers subscription is just on the cards for next year!

07/11/2025

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05/11/2025

Bonfire Night, and Fireworks 🎆

Today seemed like the perfect night to share Lily's story, to tell you there is hope.

Whilst my younger three aren't scared, Zak my eldest was terrified, along with many many others. We all know someone who has a dog scared of the fireworks. And it stresses us out, we feel helpless.

For Lily, as autumn draws in, and the darker nights start, her fear of what's to come begins. She can't go out for a wee when it's dark, and once she's heard a firework that's her in total melt down. She hides in the bathroom, shaking, panting, nothing can console her and it would take her a long time to then be able to even cope, never mind settle. . :'( Just heart breaking.

Over 3 sessions we've worked with Lily, offering a selection of oils.

On the 3rd session there were no fireworks, but we figured out which oils were her favourite, that made her feel safe and calm and a plan for if the fireworks did start.

A few days later I had a message, someone had set off fireworks, and she'd ran to hide in the bathroom. Armed with a plan her dad took the oils to the bathroom. He worked as we'd discussed, and within 40minutes. Lily was asleep. Brilliant! An improvement, but as with most people there was a little scepticism, perhaps it was just a fluke?

5 days later, more fireworks, Lily ran to the bathroom, her dad grabbed the oils, they made a little noise in the ceramic bowl they were in. Lily came downstairs on her own accord, and sat in the kitchen with her dad working with the oils to help. She settled within 15 minutes!

3 days later, 11.30pm fireworks went off. Lily hid under the armchair. Her dad went down to offer some help. Within 5 minutes, the shaking and panting had stopped and she was able to cope.

Mum and Dad have been brilliant, trusting in the process, I was their "last hope of finding something to help her be ok.

As I sit listening for the last 2 hours of constant fireworks I feel collectively sad for all those at home struggling. I know that feeling, but I also know that there is hope. Lily is proof of that. 💜





(Copied from Hælan Hounds Post, as it won't let me share)

02/11/2025

Pixie Pops, Pix, Pixels, Pitsee

Only a few weeks ago, Pixie was heading off for retirement. Her retirement was spent, being pushed around in her own carriage with personal chauffer, sunbathing outside, and surrounded by her family.

Last week we got the awful news, a message I dreaded opening to say that her little body had, had enough, and at the grand old age of 16, she was off to her next adventure.

Pixie, taught us about the fiercely bold terrier that lived inside that little body. She actually did love a cuddle, but only on her terms. She was to the letter for a 'Lone Individual' Functional character, which meant that she taught us more about that role than any other could.

She would keep herself to herself, and then occasionally, would let her hair down, and start zooming, her favourtie boy was Arnie, she loved him, and would often let her guard down for a flirty game with him.

She was precious, and didn't like other dogs near her, and so they too learnt valuable lessons, about space, and body awareness, and repecting your elders, and their space boundries.

Although a precious girl, with her quirks you needed to be aware of, or she'd remind you, she was so funny. If there was water, or mud, and especially a big pile of stinky fox poo, then brilliant. The wetter and stinkier the better! Thankfully her mum linked that with knowing that she had had the best time, so that was a relief, and in the beginning, washing and drying was a no no. She quickly showed us an acceptable way of doing it though, and sometimes, if you were lucky. You'd get a little kiss :)

Such a knowing girl, you'd find her waiting on the arm of the sofa waiting for you. Then she'd creep round the door, and you had to give her a little tickle and a love before you could get her dress to go out. Then she popped her terrier exterior on, and off we went. Being a front seat girl, she got plenty of sneaky snacks. Whether she was given them or not. But who cares ey!

You're going to be a huge miss here, for such a little girl, it's a big old hole. But I know there's a welcoming party up there for you. Say hello to everyone for us.

Miss you sweetheart.
Until we meet again. See you soon xx

31/10/2025

Roarrrrrrrrr , Happy Howloween 🎃👻🧙🕷️🦹

This little monster was spotted at school today! Causing mischief and stealing sweets 🍭

🎃

01/10/2025

Happy Retirement Pix!

It's been an emotional couple of weeks for the Woodland Paws team.

Pixie Pop's joined our team in March 2018! She's been an absolute little trooper! Kept everyone in check, and truly shown her terrier qualities. She's also taught us all so much about Lone Individuals :)

5 DAYS a WEEK this super star! In the last year she dropped down to managing the others just 3 days a week, kept up, and kept them all in check.

This month Pixie turned 16!!!! And after a summer of slowing down, she decided she was ready to take her seat on the back of the sofa, shouting at passers by on a regular basis! And so she did. Well and truly deserved!

Happy Retirement sweetheart 💜

29/09/2025

Our kiddo's are such a huge part of our family, and most of them have been with us from being tiny weeny babies!

Shadow is no exception, and we will miss her enormously and she moves away to start her next chapter with her Mum.

Thank you so so much Liza for trusting us with Shadow and for being part of our family for the last 7 years :) A beautiful, cheeky, anc couragious, (except when it's raining) beautiful girl she is!

Good luck in all that the future holds for you all ###

04/09/2025

Back to school :)
How's your first week been?
So many smiley faces after 2 weeks off for us, and took the opportunity to catch a quick seasonal snap 🍂

05/08/2025

Can't believe I booked holiday when The North East Dog Festival was on !

Looks so goooooddd!!!!

STOP what you're doing!

The official 2025 North East Dog Festival Map has landed! 🎉🎪

Get your paws on the layout before the big weekend – whether you’re sniffing out the best trade stands, heading straight to the have-a-go rings, or planning to spend your day watching thrilling displays or listening to fantastic seminars...

Get this saved and let your friends know...the countdown begins... just over 3 weeks to go! 🙌

Early bird tickets have been selling much faster than previous years so make sure you don't miss out. Get yours on our website at https://www.northeastdogfestival.com/

📅 Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st August
📍 Kirkley Hall, Ponteland, NE20 0AQ
One weekend. Thousands of dogs. Right here in the North East.
Thanks to Tanya March Illustrations for bringing our vision to life on paper.