Firstly, I am annoyed with myself for being so wrapped up in my own life not to have heard about any of this planning application nonsense until it was too late.

I had the honour of meeting with Steve and his beautiful pack approx 3 summers ago.
I was working at a school for boys with emotional,social and behavioural problems. One of the projects was different forms of transport.
The student I was working with had such a short attention span and lack of social skills that I came up with the idea of exploring slightly less common modes of transport.

I contacted Steve from Winterpaws and he did not hesitate in agreeing to let myself and the student along with my own kids to meet up with him when the pack took their daily run late in evening.

All 3 kids were able to ride along with Steve and his partner on the riggs (I hasten to add that they were wearing safety helmets, for those cotton wool beaurocrats)!! and an immense amount of fun and education was had by all.

I was in debt to Steve for being so willing despite the student being capable of anti social behaviour, I also hasten to add that the said student was so in awe of all that took place that he conducted himself in a manner to be proud of that day.

My own kids were so sad to see that article in the Leader this week and wanted to spring into action, but unfortunatley all too late.

I have no doubt that whatever happens, it will be in the best interest for the dogs (except for the obvious...they should be allowed to stayand everyone else should mind their own business). On the day that Steve took the kids on the rigg he insisted on waiting until the temperature had fallen to a specific level before running the dogs and even went so far as to say that if it did not fall low enough before it got dark, the dogs would not run as it was not in their best interest to run in the heat.

I totally believe that both Steve and Donna have always put their dogs welfare first and are responsible owners. I am sad that a minority has been able to have such an impact on the rest of theirs and their packs lives.

I wish Steve and Donna all the best and hope that they are able to find suitable alternative arrangments, however the most suitable as mentioned before would be for the pack to remain together where they are.

Best wishes to Winterpaws, and sorry I was not able to speak on your behalf sooner, or believe me I would have done.

Amanda

P.S I have lots of photos of that day and if you wanted copies, just let me know.