Last month I did something I hadn’t done in five years: I had a proper holiday.

Now, if you follow me on social media, you might be mistaken for thinking that I’m always swanning around somewhere. And you’d be right, but most of the time I’m working too. I actually haven’t had a no-laptop week off since 2021.

I didn’t think this one would be any different, mainly because I actually love what I do, so I find it hard to switch off. But switch off I did, and it was the perfect time to do it because my partner and I went off-grid in a campervan with the boys to some of the more remote spots in western Scotland.

In seven nights, we only spent one at a campsite for a well-needed shower and water restock. The rest of the time we found some stunning spots where we either saw no one, or very few people.

Quite frankly, it was bliss, and my brain felt like it had a proper reset.

My whippet boys were already pretty used to campervan life. I travelled around the UK in one for a month in 2021, and I also have a micro camper conversion in my car. But I thought I’d share some of the products I was particularly glad I brought this time, even if, in some cases, I was equally glad I didn’t have to use them!

Off-Grid Camping With Dogs: 5 Essentials I Would Pack Again

1. Nilaqua Dry Shampoo

Now, having mud-adverse whippets, I nearly didn’t bring this! I’ve had it in my car for about a year after meeting the team at trade shows, and I also know how good it is because my friend Debbie uses it on her poo-rolling whippets.

As the weather looked mild for our trip, I nearly left it behind, but as it was Scotland, I didn’t want to risk it. And I’m glad I didn’t!

On one of the days we were exploring near where we had camped up and went through some really quite boggy sections and the boys came back with orange feet.

Back at the van, the wipes I had weren’t making much of a dent, but a quick squirt of the Nilaqua foamed up immediately and I could see all the mud and silt lifting. Which leads me neatly to my next essential…
Nilaqua Website

2. DotDotPet Eco Biodegradable Towels

Another product I’d had in my car for about a year, but these came in handy for so many things.

After foaming up the Nilaqua, I used the large towels to wipe off the excess, as well as whenever the boys got a bit wet.

I love these because they’re reusable, strong and biodegrade after 90 days, so we ended up using them for spillages, mopping the floor, cleaning condensation from the windows and even as temporary tea towels.

There will definitely always be a stock of these in the van now, and they’re really reasonably priced too.
Dot Dot Pet on Amazon

Clearly not one of my whippets! I took this of this photo of the product a while ago.

3. Dicky Bag Portable Dog Poo Bin

If you like to explore and haven’t got one of these yet, it’s a game changer – it’s basically a sealed, portable dog poo bin.

I hike in a lot of places where there aren’t bins, and with Scotland’s right to roam we were quite remote a lot of the time, so having my Dicky Bag attached to my walking bag was brilliant.

No carrying a poo bag for miles. And no eau de dog poo wafting around either.
Dick Bag Website

4. Ruffwear Extra-Long Bungee Waist Lead

I use this all the time anyway when walking in the fells. It’s just not worth gambling when a woolly magician might pop up unexpectedly.

But they were particularly useful while we were camping because the handles clip open. I could attach them to the van and the dogs’ harnesses, giving them a bit of freedom to move around while we were parked up without them being completely loose.

Ruffwear Bungee Lead Website

5. Poorly Paws First Aid Kit

Thankfully, this is the one product I didn’t need to use, but I’d much rather have it and not need it than the other way around.

It’s super compact, so it’s easy to pack and either leave in the van or pop into your rucksack when you’re heading off for a walk.

When you’re camping somewhere remote with your dogs, having some basic first aid supplies with you just makes sense.
Poorly Paws Website

Things I Wish I’d Packed for Camping With My Dogs

Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch

I saw Ruffwear advertising the Knot-a-Hitch on LinkedIn and, although it’s pricey, I can really see the appeal after this trip. It’s essentially a hitching system that creates a line between two points, with everything you need to allow your dog some freedom to move around camp while still being safely attached.

For two whippets who would quite happily investigate if they can smell a picnic half a mile away, I think this could be a really useful addition for our next trip.

An Extra Squishy Dog Bed

Whippets need comfort!

I’ve had a yellow Joules ‘Chesterfield’ bed for about five years and, although it’s a nightmare to wash, it’s super squishy so it can be stuffed into quite a small space. I had some throws with us as well, but Shadow commandeered the dog bed. Even though both dogs slept on our bed in the van, Bertie moved around much more trying to find somewhere comfortable. So I’ll definitely be investing in another compact, squishy bed before our next trip.

A Few More Dog Camping Essentials Worth Packing

A couple of honourable mentions that were also useful along the way.

Fettle goat’s milk powder: This was great for the first few days when the boys were being a bit fussy with drinking water.

Healing balm: I used The Dog and I balm, but very sadly they’re temporarily closed. Something like Lyonsleaf Calendula and Marshmallow balm is 100% natural and also brilliant to have around for little bites or scratches, for you or your dog.

Would I Go Off-Grid Camping With My Dogs Again?

Absolutely. It took me a surprisingly short time to properly switch off from work, being somewhere with very little signal, and nowhere I needed to be was probably exactly what my brain needed.

There are definitely a couple of things I’ll add to the packing list next time, but most of what worked best was fairly simple: things that kept the dogs clean, comfortable and safe without taking up half the van.

Do you go off-grid or campervanning with your dog? I’d love to know what your absolute essentials are too. There’s always room for one more thing in the van… probably.

Professional photographer for the Pet Industry

For some reason, I’d never really considered Norfolk for a break, and after staying with East Ruston Cottages several times while photographing for their dog friendly cottages, now I understand why. Here are some very valid reasons to stay away…..

You hate beaches

With over 90 miles of joined beaches, it’s hard to ignore them. All that sand, ew. Oh, and a lot of them are dog friendly all year round AND no matter what time of year you go, you will always be able to find quiet beaches very easily – I mean, who wants that!?

Who in their right mind would want to see their dog this happy on an empty Norfolk beach!?

You love the hustle and bustle

You can slow your pace right down and appreciate nature and the simple things in life. There are seals, lots of them – apparently Norfolk is pretty famous for it. Hares too, and owls and loads of other birds. It’s alright if that’s your kind of thing I guess, but give me the tube station rats and mice any day! And Norfolk is quite flat so there is lots of open spaces and you can see lots and lots of sky. Sounds dull as ditch water to me!

You hate dogs

I know if you are reading this, you probably have a dog, but geez, you don’t have to like allllll the dogs right!? It’s like when someone shows you a picture of a baby – unless it’s yours, is anyone bothered? There are WAY too many dog friendly places in Norfolk – some even have canine menu’s – what’s got into people? Why do people insist on taking their dogs everywhere?

The Gunton Arms is a gorgeous pub near Trunch, why does everyone have to take their dogs to these lovely places!?

You love taking your car everywhere

Don’t bother with Norfolk then! Because of how close the villages are to the beach or the broads or the stock free countryside, you and your dog can quite easily walk from the doorstep. You will find loads of dog friendly pubs, fish and chip shops and cafes serving great food withing walking distance too – you might forget how to drive!

The food at dog friendly Beach Rock cafe looks terrible as you can see. Stick to Starbucks.

You hate nice weather

I’ve been there in February and it was so mild – no thank you! I live in Cumbia, I need sideways rain, wind which will blow your whippet off it’s feet, and four seasons in an hour just to keep you on your toes. I don’t get this nice weather malarky.

Stunning Rooster Barn is one of the many gorgeous dog friendly Norfolk properties at East Ruston Cottages.

So there you have it – Norfolk is the WORST place to go to with your dog. Don’t go. And don’t recommend it to your friends either – unless you really don’t like them.

In all seriousness, discovering East Ruston Cottages and Norfolk has been a game changer. So many dog friendly places to eat & visit, including boat tours. I’m not usually a beach person but I’ve walked through the dunes which go for miles and then dropped down onto an empty beach – which isn’t unusual with 90 miles of joined beaches.

I’ve tended to keep to the smaller villages than the bigger towns and found them really dog friendly, and as I mentioned, lots of lovely independent shops and cafes.

If you were still on the fence about visiting Norfolk, let me assure you, you will find your perfect place to stay at East Ruston Cottages – from 2 person chalets to big family homes with games rooms, from classic beach style cottages to country barns and the website tells all you need to know about the gardens & areas, and has properties for anxious or reactive dogs.

Going the extra mile to be truly dog welcoming

But more importantly Sue and the cottage owners will go absolutely out of their way to make your dog feel welcome, which is just a breath of fresh air.

I guess I’d add one last ‘don’t do it’ point – don’t book with East Ruston Cottages if you want to have every other holiday ruined because the standard will have been set very high.

I’ve worked with East Ruston Cottages for 3 years so far on their social media and images – Sue hasn’t paid me to do this blog, I’m doing it because I want everyone to discover the joy of Norfolk and ERC.

If you have visited already, I’d love to know where you have stayed and your favourite places to visit!

Kerry x

I know recommendations are really important for small brands, as well as the people buying from them so I’ve decided to do series on the brands I know, like and trust. I have either bought from these small brands, worked with them or both for many many years so I hope this will help you if you are looking for something specific for your dog.

An enrichment toy with an infinite possibilities!

As a dog owner, I’d seen a fair few individual toys which you could stuff with food, the issue was that they never lasted very long regardless of what I stuffed them with. So when I came across K9 Connectables many years ago, I was instantly curious. I really liked the fact that you could connect a few of them together – in my head I thought, what a perfect thing to take with me when I go to the pub with the dogs!

Great for keeping a dog entertained for longer!

Different levels to build confidence

One of the things I loved the most about these toys is that there were so many different levels from easy to expert it meant that just a couple of the toys would keep the dogs entertained for longer – you can start easy and as their confidence grows you can make it harder by doing an extra ‘click’ but then, joy of joys, you can add more, and more to make them super difficult and really make your dogs brain work!

Keeping it interesting

I’ve been using different K9 Connectables for a fair few years so I’ve tried lots of fillings! Everything from cream cheese to mashed potato. The things I have found which keep my dogs entertained for the longest is actually roast chicken and blocks of cheese – I think it’s because you can squish it right in and both become quite compact so rather than bits falling out, the dogs actually have to lick to get at it, sometimes taking 20 minutes – times that by however many you want to attach and you have yourself some quiet time and mentally tired dogs afterwards! 

Since I first discovered K9 Connectables, they have brought out several new variations, like the stick on ones which you can connect to any of the others, and a fabulous kibble wobble ball which can also be connected and ones for tough chewers.  The sticky version is great for popping on the end of the bath if your dog isn’t particularly happy having a shower, or for distracting your dog while you clip their nails. But wait, there’s more!

Oh yes, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – when you buy a K9 Connectable, you aren’t just buying an interactive food dispenser, they bounce really well, and they float! It’s one of the many reasons I think K9 Connectables are well worth the money. I’ve got ones that have lasted about 6 years (the ones I haven’t lost) – I take them stuffed and connect to the pub garden to settle the dogs down, I use them if I haven’t been able to do a big walk, and then I take individual ones to the beach as a toy and unlike a tennis ball, they wont wear down your dogs teeth.

Have you already tried K9 Connectables? Let me know in the comments!

You can follow K9 Connectables on: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

I know recommendations are really important for small brands, as well as the people buying from them so I’ve decided to do series on the brands I know, like and trust. I have either bought from these small brands, worked with them or both for many many years so I hope this will help you if you are looking for something specific for your dog.

The Ultimate in Whippet Attire

Now I have been working with Debbie at Redhound for Dogs who makes whippet coats & jumpers, photographing for her brand for, oooh, 8 years now so you could be mistaken for thinking I’m biased with this spotlight, but there’s a reason I’ve been working with her for so long; she’s passionate about what she does – clothing whippets both practically and stylishly, she delivers consistently high stands, she’s generous to a fault and an all round good egg.

The face behind the brand.

There will be cheaper alternatives.

The thing I love about this brand is that Debbie and her team are always ahead of the game. I the last few years I’ve seen a massive increase in brands catering not just dog jumpers and coats, but whippet specific ones too, and it’s great to see this industry growing! The differentiator is that Debbie has been doing her thing for 13 years and sewing and designing has been in her blood for many more years that that! So when you buy a coat or a jumper from her you know these things; she has researched tirelessly about what works and what doesn’t, she knows the shape of a whippet like the back of her hand, her skills are finely honed, she sources the best materials and that whatever you buy will last. In every area of my life, I’ve got more and more conscious about not buying things to throw them away 6 months later because they are cheaper, but instead, investing in something which lasts.

Made for Sighthounds

If you have ever tried to find a whippet jumper or coat, or actually if you have any dog with the same build as a sighthound like a Vizsla or a Dalmatian, you know how hard it is to find ‘of the rack’ that fit their shape – with their tucked up waist, deep chest and long backs, pet shop attire ends up gaping in one area or another. That’s why Redhound are so great, Debbie has known and worked with the sighthound shape for over a decade!

Because Debbie has a genuine love for making sure sighthounds are cosy and wearing appropriate attire, in her range you will find something for every season, every weather occurrence and whatever you look for, it will be stylish as well as practical. So whether it’s rain, snow, wind, dark nights, a bit of spring drizzle – your hound will be covered!

Have you already discovered Redhound for Dogs? Let me know in the comments!

You can follow Debbie on: Instagram | Facebook | Website 

It’s just a dog bed…

….actually, it’s not. I had been hearing good things about these snuggle beds, but if I am being completely honest, they aren’t cheap, but I am! I did a bit of research, I spoke to people who already had one and they kept saying things like “it’s an investment” or “it’s the best thing that I have ever bought my dog”. I was sceptical, it is, after all, just a dog bed.

When they had a sale I decided to see what all the fuss was about. What can I say, it’s been an investment, and it is in fact, one of the best things I have bought for my dogs. So much so, that I now have two.

For me, it’s not just about the quality (which is excellent), but also about the service too. The Charley Chau girls obviously care a heck of a lot about their brand and their customers.

I love how when you buy a Charley Chau Snuggle Bed, you never say “he’s in his bed”, you always say “he’s in his Charley Chau”. It’s fast becoming a brand that, once you have one, you are proud to say the name.

Dog beds that last

So a bit about the beds for those of you who are on the fence yourselves; they have a substantial mattress which after over a year, still has it’s shape. The cover is a heavy, good quality cotton in a variety of colours – it’s very smart, so it also looks really great in the home (unlike some dog beds!). It has a ‘lid’ which my Whippets seemed to have an uncanny knack of understanding what it’s for, and were happily ensconced within minutes. I have washed the cover several times now (it has a velcro fastening at the back making it easy to remove), and the colours are still good.

But obviously the most important thing is, my Whippets love their beds. That cold nose wakeup call at 2am to get under the duvet has reduced dramatically.

So what are the negatives? Well, I have heard from one couple that their Whippet doesn’t want sofa snuggles anymore as she prefers her bed. Another person had a mini panic when they couldn’t find their Whippet, only to realise they were snuggled right at the back of their bed. Make of that what you will.

I’d love to hear your Snuggle Bed stories! (As you can see, our guest Sid the Greyhound loved it, he was just a bit too big!)

*Edit: I now own two Deeply Dishy beds along with the faux fur throws which my hounds love just as much as their Snuggle Beds!

Charley Chau Website: www.charleychau.com

*Reviewed personally because I love the brand & product. I was not paid for this review.

The best harness fit for Whippets

Updated January 2025

As a commercial pet photographer, I have photographed 100s of dogs, I get asked quite a lot about these harnesses so I thought it may be useful for anyone who was thinking about one for their hounds, my experience is with Whippets but you can take a lot away from this article for most dogs.

Why I choose Ruffwear

There were two reasons I was looking at harnesses; my old boy Jasper was quite sensitive around his head when he had his inner ear removed, I felt a harness would be much gentler for him, and then there was Shadow.

When I first adopted Shadow, I realised that we would need a harness for some of our walks, basically wherever there was going to be any excitement, if he saw anything even remotely fun then he would leap four foot in the air and dance around like a maniac. Not great when the only thing he is tethered to is a collar round his neck.

It’s notoriously difficult find harnesses for sighthounds, most fits seem to be too loose because of their deep but skinny chests. I was pleasantly surprised by the RuffWear Front Range Harness, because of the amount of adjusting we could do at several points, it fitted perfectly. I also loved the fact that rather than being strips of thinner material like a lot of harnesses, this has wider, more padded sections and the front almost feels like a chest piece.

The front range harnesses are great for general walking, however Shadow learned how to back out of it. So I checked out the six point Webmaster – problem solved! Again this is super adjustable, it fits him really well and with the added benefit of the harness coming further towards where the waist tucks in, it’s Shadow proof. I went for the addition of the stomach protector as he had previously had trouble with an awful rash after going through long grass. Hey presto, I have the perfect harness!

I used the front range harnesses for all the other hounds with great success. I had the small size for all five hounds, that shows how adjustable they are as they are very different in height & weight! I can also pop them over  Redhound for Dogs fleeces, although they now have lots of great whippet coats and jumpers with harness holes.

I got asked quite a lot of questions about the fit, so I have popped a little video up here: Ruffwear Harness Fit

When do I use them?

We use them quite a lot, like if we are going somewhere super busy like DogFest or now I live in the Lake District, I really need that useful handle to help my dogs over stiles and do a bit of scrambling. Anywhere there is too much going on for us to be trying to direct the hounds from collars, somewhere like a dog event isn’t easy on their necks as they are constantly trying to hoover up dropped food or follow exciting smells.

Update January 2025:

This blog was initially written in 2017. I am still using Ruffwear and now I have moved to the Lake District, they are much more frequently used, alongside the Roamer Bungee lead they are indispensable! I’ve changed Bertie over to the Flagline Dog Harness with Handle as for some reason he didn’t like wearing the Webmaster, not an issue I have had with the other dogs, but he’s very happy with the Flagline!

If you have any questions about my experience with these harnesses, please don’t hesitate to ask, and I’d love to hear if you have them for your hounds too!

With thanks to additional models Buzz, Ozzy & Ollie who are also RuffWear wearers 🙂

Kerry x