Special Ranger 'Ollie'

Large Oak clearance from fence line

Not quite back on full time  duty at Sherborne but did pay two visits this week to Sherborne, accompanied by Ollie. The first visit was on Tuesday and a chance to trial whether Ollie could settle in at the Sherborne estate offices whilst I helped out Mike on my usual duties. As it turned out it was a good meet and greet /socialisation opportunity with  NT staff and the two resident English springers. First of the Springers was Pepper who at ~6 months proved to be  Ollie's most interactive meeting with a dog. Pepper didn't hold back and to his credit Ollie managed to get a couple of licks and 'cuffs' in although he was mainly on the receiving end. Next on the scene was Maddie with a much more controlled interaction but with more vocal noises to keep my young pup in order. All in all a good experience for Ollie who went down well with all, so much so I let him run free in the yard.

Today at Sherborne  with threatening weather I left Ollie {in Pepper's spot in the yard} on a long lead with his cage for refuge. Mike and I headed off in 4x4 and tractor to century wood where clearance of a fallen oak was to continue with emphasis on clearing the fence line and loading on the tractor trailer the substantial oak branches. Some tricky chainsawing of the Oak branches was performed by Mike and by lunchtime the trailer was full and the fence line cleared for repair. Amazingly it was possible to temporarily repair the fence {before a proper job was possible} as most of the posts were unscathed by the fallen Oak. On  returning to the estate offices I found the 'guard dog' Ollie pretty filthy, wet and glad to see me {unfortunately much whining had taken place throughout an increasingly wet morning}. Still it meant Ollie was to get his first bath and tired out by his 'socialisation' with all, he slept on the return journey home with no noises to make me feel guilty at all.