Responsibilities

Rose is an easy companion. She likes to be let out before 8am - the garden is fenced so you can just let her out the back door - she'll run around the garden then rush back in for her breakfast (1/3 can Butcher's brand , some biscuits). At some point in the day she'd like a proper walk - once you're off the road (either going across the fields or down by the river) you can let her off the lead. She's good at coming back to a call especially if she realises you have a little treat in your pocket. There are occasionally sheep in some fields - she's never chased one but we always keep her on a a lead when there are sheep around. There are sometimes cattle, in which case we let her off the lead as this is safer with inquisitive bullocks - she can always outrun them if they are frisky. She's very friendly with other dogs. She has supper around 6.30 (same as breakfast) then curls up again. We let her out around 1030pm or later - again she potters around the garden, then she has a couple of treats which she takes to bed with her. She's never woken us at night. She's hopeless at getting under her own blanket (even tho she's very good at getting under ours) so we cover her up when she's in her bed. She has raincoats but hates wearing them - she'll rub up against your legs - so we put one on only if it's freezing and wet and she's going to be on the lead. Even in the cold she generally runs fast enough to keep warm. Important message - Rose is an unrepentant thief and she LOVES chocolate and can smell it a mile off so if you have some please put it on one of the highest kitchen shelves. She will find it in your bedroom. She's never come to harm from eating it but we know she shouldn't (and it's disappointing when you find a whole Toblerone gone). Bins go out on Wednesday night for Thursday morning ( recycling bins in the utility room). We have The Times newspaper delivered - it'll be in the front porch with the post, please can you bring it all in each day so it doesn't stack up. We can stop the daily paper, or ask the newsagents to swap it for one you'd prefer, please ask. There's a very easy log burner in the little sitting room ( as well as underfloor heating) and you are welcome to light the fire in the drawing room but please don't leave it unattended. There's a pond in the garden, so be careful if you have a small child. The outside steps up the barn are steep and slippery and the path to the house can also be slippery in wet/cold weather. If you use the front gate, please ensure it's closed behind you ( the one by the cars closes itself on a spring). The veg patch is at your disposal! Also various jams and jellies. There's a breadmaker is the utility room and a washing machine. No tumble dryer! but a good drying rack and an outside line if it's fine. We hope you'll have a happy stay!