Dougal's Dog Blog. Entry 8: Henley Four Oaks

After a wonderful weekend at my favourite site, Alderstead Heath, the Human That I Own took us to the Club Site at Henley Four Oaks.

He had visited the site many times in the years BC (Before Canine) and chatted to me in the car about how much he liked the site. It was only a short walk into the lovely town of Henley, he said, so it was popular with motor caravanners and anyone who fancied taking a break from driving. Henley, he told me, was crammed with dinky little independent shops, cafes, and eateries. He also warned me that there would be some road noise, but that didn't worry either of us.

We arrived and the Human was greeted by a couple of the nicest wardens we'd ever met. But that couldn't compensate for what happened next.

We went to the dog walk. OK, 'Dog Walk' is a bit of a misnomer. It's a tiny area where I had to be kept on the lead which was bascially provided for me to do what I had to do away from the pitching areas. And that was it. I was seriously not impressed.

That night we sat in silence in the Tin Can on Wheels. The Human tried to appease me, but he was talking to the paw, because the face wasn't listening.

The next day the Human tried to find me somewhere where I could have a bit of a run off the lead. Ten minutes walk along the narrow path towards Henley took us to a footpath where we could access the riverside. Here I could have a great game of ball, although there were loads of signs telling us that the land belonged to Henley Regatta or something. Even I can understand why I wasn't allowed to venture onto the rugby pitches, but The Human read out the signs by the riverside and told me that they weren't very cheerful. 'Private Property - Stick to the footpath', 'No picnics', 'No loitering', and 'No being cheerful, smiling, or enjoying yourself'. OK, I think he made the last one up. But at least I could have a romp and get some excercise. 

He tried to make it up to me by telling me that there are two doggie-friendly pubs in Henley. Across the bridge, The Little Angel sounded lovely but a little TOO 'foody' for the human. He just wanted a sandwich. So we went to a nice friendly little pub behind the Fire Station called The Row Barge. The lovely Spanish Landlady made a fuss of both of us, and His Majesty's sandwich was enormous, served with salad and chips. I notice that nothing made its way in my direction though.

It seems that Henley Four Oaks is very much a Human's Club Site, not so great for dogs like me. But then the Human reminded me how much I pay to stay on site (i.e. nothing) and asked why member's pitches should be given up to make a dog walk.

I suppose he has a point. I just can't let him think that he might be right. Either way, I'm afraid I only give this site one bone out of five.