Doggy Christmas in Dumbledore

Friday-Saturday, 24th - 25th of December 2021

I’m not very big on Christmas, but this year Christmas took me by surprise and I found myself in the middle to family Christmas celebrations even though my family is far far away!

My friend Crystal is house sitting and looking after her landlady dogs over Christmas, while they’re on holidays in Maldives. She told me about it months ago and that I should come too. I had no intention of coming, but I could tell she’s a bit disappointed when I said no. I really don’t like big gatherings of people and her whole family was meant to be here. So in the end I decided to come on the 22nd and stay for a day or two, just so she’s happy.

Guess what though? I kinda like it here in this huge house. It even has its own name - Dumbledore. I have my own bedroom with huge bed and bathroom, so I can either chose to socialise with everyone or sit quietly with lady in my bedroom. Oh yes, cause Lady is with me too 😁

Had I chosen to book a weekend away in a picturesque location around Christmas time I’d probably pay 100’s of pounds for this. Instead I help Crystal with the dogs and staying here for free and fully fed.

Look at the dogs and the scenery though. I can’t really call it a bad life, can I?

Although there is Crystal, her partner, her 2 teenage children and also her parents, most of the time I am on my own and with dogs. I like to sneak out for a smoke and dogs of course follow.

The plan for today was to stay in Dumbledore during the day and go home in the evening, as tomorrow I’m going to Tina’s for the dinner. The plan didn’t work out, cause all day long I’ve been drinking coffee with Baileys and before the evening I realised it wasn’t a good idea to drive after all those coffees 😅 Then came Eddie and poured me some wine, so I’m defo not going back now.

I can’t say I regret staying. Crystal is one of those friends who is like a family to me, I know her children well and her parents accepted me as their own even though I’ve only just met them.

So 2 days here have past very quickly.

Dumbledore is as beautiful at night as it is during the day. A lovely old old house, probably build in 1800’s

Look at those door locks. They have an old spiring in them still. I’ve never been in an old house like this before, maybe except some old English pubs.

Yesterday I tried writing this article, but whenever I sit down to do some work, this happens. All the dogs come out of nowhere and want cuddles.

Lady is guarding me well though and gets super jealous. On day 1 she would bark at poor Dexter whenever he came close to me. Dex is only 15 months old, still a puppy and he just wants to play all the time. It’s hilarious to see him being scared of little Lady, but despite the fear he still tries to come closer and win Lady over.

Kylo is not impressed with sharing me with other dogs, but he’s much more understanding and even though he’s 5 years old, he still likes to play, so he’s Rex’es best companion during these holidays. Once they played, there is time for dog love too. How adorable they look hugging each other.

Before I know it, Christmas morning arrived and Bela came to wake me up, shouting Merry Christmas! So I got up, groomed myself and downstairs Koby is ready for his morning yoga 😅

I’ve made myself a coffee and sneak out for a smoke again, while they’re opening their Christmas gifts.

Waking up in this beautiful location, surrounded by lovely people and animals is the best Christmas gift I could imagine anyway.

Happy Christmas to you all lovely people of read.cash and to you too Rusty 🎄