Frost and Firelight in the Village

Just before Christmas, we found ourselves in Vicky and Dave’s warm and welcoming home, caring for their two dogs, Jet and Perla.

Jet was an old boy, full of character and charm, the kind of soul who didn’t need to rush. He loved slow walks through the forest, padding steadily along the paths, happy to stop and sniff, to simply be. What made it even more special was knowing that Jet was Suzie’s brother, the dog we’d cared for earlier in Maxey, a thread of connection tying our journey together in ways we never expected.

Perla was his opposite in many ways, a Greek rescue, young, playful, and full of life. She adored cuddles, loved to chase the ball, and carried an endless spark that made every walk an adventure. Together, Jet and Perla brought balance, the wisdom of age alongside the joy of youth.

The days themselves were painted in frost. We’d set out in the crisp, snowy mornings, walking the dogs through amber-coloured forest, its floor scattered with dens and trails that felt almost magical. Coming home to the warmth of the log fire became part of the rhythm, the heat and crackle of the flames chasing the winter chill from our bones. The house itself was a haven, cosy, safe, filled with the comfort of simple living.

For Dylan, this sit offered something extra. He joined in with local craft sessions, making decorations and pictures alongside other children from the village. The smiles, the welcome, and the way he was drawn into their circle made him feel part of a tribe, a feeling of belonging that touched us all.

Looking back, this sit feels like a snow-globe memory, forest walks under pale skies, fires glowing against the frost, and two dogs whose hearts left a lasting imprint.

Reflection from the road: This sit reminded us of the beauty in contrast. The old and the young, the quiet of winter and the warmth of firelight, the stillness of Jet’s pace and the spark of Perla’s play. Life holds all of it at once, and it is in the weaving of these opposites that we find harmony.

For Jet 

Thank you for your gentle pace, your steady presence, and the way you carried dignity in every step. It was an honour to walk beside you in your winter season. You will be remembered with love.