Sundowners at Branches Park: A Moment to Reflect

As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and gold, there is a special kind of magic in the air at Branches Park. Standing in the heart of this breathtaking landscape, surrounded by towering oak trees planted by Capability Brown over three centuries ago, we find ourselves pausing to soak in the beauty of our surroundings.

A moment captured.

The silhouette of Toby and Ash against the setting sun captures a moment of stillness, a rare pause in our ever-busy lives. Toby, full of boundless energy and an infectious zest for life, continues to make us proud each day. His dedication and enthusiasm shine through in everything he does, his recent awards at school, a glowing parents' evening report, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in rugby, Kuk Sool Won martial arts, Drums, and horse riding. He approaches every challenge with a grin and a determination that is inspiring to witness. He truly is a joy to be around.

Friendship that forges memories, that'll last a life time.

Meanwhile, Florence is now seven months old and growing fast. Though sleep still eludes her from 3 a.m. most nights, she fills our days with laughter and wonder. Laura is embracing every moment of maternity leave, proving once again that she is the most incredible mother to both Toby and Flo. Her patience, love, and unwavering dedication to our family never go unnoticed.

Joe, ever the workhorse, excuse the pun, has been clocking up the miles transporting horses back and forth from Ireland. He is certainly getting well-acquainted with the motorway system, but his dedication to his work and the animals he cares for is admirable.

Inseparable.

Back at KuduRiver Gundogs, the dogs are easing back into work. Echo, our grand dame, has slowed down considerably, now content to simply be along for the ride as she enjoys her well-earned retirement. Nearly 11 now, she still carries the wisdom of her years, even if her pace has softened. River and Ash are both going well, sharpening their skills as the off season progresses. And then there’s young Shadow - full of potential, but taking his time. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and we know that strong foundations lead to great things in the end.

As the last light fades from the sky, we are reminded of the richness of our lives - the privilege of working with our dogs, the joy of family, and the beauty of the land we call home. With each passing season, we continue to cherish the moments, big and small, that make this journey so special.

Ash at Sundown.

Here’s to sundowners, silhouette memories, and the endless adventure ahead.