Being a dog mum really helps you appreciate the beauty of the outside world, don’t you think? During walkies, I often think how lucky we are. Bringing two beauties together (dogs and nature) seems such a pawfect thing to do. So along with Ted, I joined forces with the exceedingly talented dog photographer, Bridget Davey. Today I explain why bringing dogs and nature together makes a pawfect partnership and why a bluebell dog walk is a MUST for any dog parents diary…

DOGS AND NATURE

Bluebell season is a great example of when dogs and nature make a pawfect partnership. I defy anyone not to be awestruck by the stunning blue hues which grace woodland, usually from mid-April to mid-May. I always think they signify good times are to come, as Summer is well and truly on its way!

WHERE CAN YOU FIND BLUEBELL LOCATIONS?

There are many well known bluebell locations available in The New Forest and also via The National Trust & Woodlands Trust (always double check dogs are allowed). Sometimes it’s fun to go off the beaten track to discover them though! This is what we chose to do for this shoot.

Scouting out an unusual or less popular location for a shoot can be lots of fun! It’s definitely worth doing your research to track some down (plus it gives you an extra excuse to go exploring with your dog!) Take a look at Instagram for inspiration or ask friends & followers on social media…you never know, a bluebell wood could be closer than you think! Imagine finding somewhere you can have all that tranquility to just yourself and your dog. Heaven!

A GREAT BONDING EXPERIENCE

Walkies can become a bit repetitive sometimes if you don’t make a conscious effort to explore somewhere new. This is why I think setting aside some time to explore during the changing seasons can be a great way of bonding with your dog. Plus you know there’s a time limit, so there’s no excuses for anything getting in the way. If you miss, you miss out (until the following year!)

Ted absolutely LOVED our walkies with Bridget. He was on cloud nine for the entire shoot! His nose was to the ground sniffing all the new sights and smells to be had (plus he loves any opportunity to pose up a storm). Working with a professional like Bridget meant the best shots were taken with ease, yet he was really concentrating and using his brain to do so. A great physical and mental activity. He slept the entire journey home! As well as entertaining your dog, embracing nature during walkies can help you improve your own photography skills. Or why not treat yourself to a professional dog photo shoot or team up with some friends. I can highly recommend it!

TREAD CAREFULLY

Should you decide to try & capture some bluebell shots with your dog before they disappear for another year, do tread carefully! Bluebells are extremely delicate (in fact, they sometimes don’t recover EVER if they become damaged). Wouldn’t it be sad if that happened? You’ll note in the majority of shots Ted is placed on logs or pathways, rather than bouncing amongst them to ensure he’s not squashing any under his paws. As you may know, I’m very passionate about respecting nature. As we’ve seen with the restrictions of dogs on beaches during busy months, it would be awful if the same were to happen to bluebell locations.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT…

So what are you waiting for?!! You’ve got about a week or so before the bluebells leave us for another year, so do yourself a favour & plan a bluebell walk before it’s too late! Discover how bluebells are yet another way dogs and nature really do make a pawsome partnership. You won’t be disappointed…

Sarah, Ted & Millie xxx

*Needless to say, a HUGE thank you goes to Bridget & her incredible photography skills. I’m in love with so many of these shots. If you’d like to see more of Bridget’s work, you can see our previous collaboration together here. Alternatively if you’d like your own photoshoot with Bridget, take a peek at her website here.