Ruth, her partner Chris and their beloved dog Flossie are walking the 630 mile South West Coast Path. Along the way, they’re raising awareness for Schnauzerfest, rescue dogs, the campaign against puppy farming and the work we do. Ruth kindly agreed to tell us more.
Tell us where the idea came from
It’s evolved from when Flossie came into our lives and holidays were going to be in the UK. In order to explore the beautiful countryside on our doorstep a campervan was hired to see if it was something all of us enjoyed, with a view to buying in future. Which we did.
Whilst out it was difficult to find interesting places to walk Flossie, but yellow arrow signs and markers were always spotted. I have read books about the path, Mark Wallingford was the first then The Salt Path but, being an outdoors kind of girl living in Devon I was always aware of its existence. So we made the decision to give it a go.
How much of the coast path have you completed and what have you enjoyed so far?
Since 2020 in between lock downs we have slowly completed 178.2 miles and will complete it whenever. We might do some favourite parts again before we finish, but not Clovelly as that was not a good day. It is tough in places but the scenery, wildlife and peace more than make up for the strenuous parts and are soon forgotten when sampling a cream tea or pasty. Bude has been the best cream tea so far. The vagaries of public transport are annoying as timetables can change on the whim of a bus driver. We have only resorted to emergency taxi funds once, on a very hot day.
Tell us more about the lovely Flossie and why you love schnauzers
As a family growing up pets were always around with Mum having miniature poodles. I was in my early twenties when I saw a schnauzer and thought then what a lovely little character of a dog. Now thirty plus years later I work part time and Chris has retired so it was an ideal time to have a dog rule our life, teaching us new tricks and what a pleasure it is.
For Christmas in 2017 Chris gave me three breed books. I can’t remember what the other two breeds were but that was Xmas over, and on to find a miniature schnauzer breeder it was. What a minefield that was and still is. Finally we found a breeder. During the viewing I sat on the floor with the pups and Flossie sat on my lap, so she picked me. We saw mum, asked the questions about dad and all the normal things that I was brought up knowing.
We love your support and everything you are doing, tell us why you support us
At the time we were looking for a puppy we were not aware of the rescue work and puppy farm issues that Schnauzerfest focusses on. I was shocked to discover that people don’t do the research and ask the questions that I was brought up be aware of. And that now puppies and money are exchanged in car parks as a commodity, not a family member to cherish.
So as we walk I look out for notice boards where I leave Schnauzerfest cards so that others might discover your work and learn more about how to avoid the bad breeders. I wear orange (a lot) and hand out cards to other dog owners or anyone that talks to us.
I’m honoured to be part of the Schnauzerfest family, sharing our dogs, families and heartbreaking stories as well as the joy of watching a broken breeding dog finally wag a tail in the sunlight.
We are a quiet couple and walking gives us the peace and quiet for when life sometimes gets a bit loud. I hold walks with the Plymouth Schnauzers a small group and I always try to end with cake or the pub.
Whether it be running a cake stall, organising tea parties or taking part in an Ironman competition, the aim of all of us who support Schnauzerfest is the same: spread the word to stop puppy farms and all bad breeding practises and put the fun into fundraising.
If you’d like to see see more of Ruth’s wonderful adventures along the coast path, she kindly shares photos in our Schnauzerfest Walks The Globe Facebook Group.