Mabel & Rio

" Cwtch " - means a cuddle or a hug, a uniquely Welsh concept which is more than just a physical embrace, it implies a feeling of safety, warmth and emotional security.

Recently spent an amazing week pet/house sitting in Llandeilo a beautiful and vibrant Market Town nestled in the heart of Carmarthenshire, West Wales.

In 2021 The SundayTimes called Llandeilo one of the top

six places to live in Wales and praised the town as

a "sophisticated shopping destination and a great showcase for local arts and crafts".

The Tywi Valley Path has just been completed, a 13 mile traffic-free walking and cycling route connecting Carmarthen to Llandeilo. The mostly flat, paved route

traces a repurposed railway along the river Tywi. It features

landmark river bridges, castle views and access to Dryslwyn Castle and the National Botantic Garden of Wales.

Meet Mabel the most adorable Longhaired/Wirehaired Dachsund I've ever seen and Rio a stunningly handsome Ragdoll cat. Both were incredibly friendly and affectionate, settling contentedly with me their new house guest. Went on many walks within the locality, Penlan Park ( see photo below ) and Dinefwr Park only a stones throw away. Mabel loved gettting out and about but having such small legs the pace was quite leisurley with many complete stops, especially if it was raining !! Walking through town on my last day with her was a joy, she stopped to greet everyone we passed and only continued our journey after she'd had a fuss, quite a celebrity around here. Rio loved his home comforts content to sit on my lap for a pamper and snoozing most of the day. A few gentle tears were shed when it was time to say goodbye but hopefully they didn't see !! Loved them to bits.

Mabel is a Dachsund that combines a mixture of both longhaired and wirehaired breeds, an almost accidental but adorable version of the two.

They feature long, silky hair on their ears and bodies whilst keeping their signature wirehaired beards and bushy eyebrows.

Known as the extroverts of the Dachsund Family they are incredibly spirited, courageous and loyal. Independent thinkers with a strong prey drive this makes them energetic, alert and occasionally quite stubborn companions !

Rio is a Ragdoll cat, a large luxuriantly coated cat breed famous for it's striking eyes and semi long silky fur. Known as "gentle giants" they earn their name from their uniquely docile, affectionate nature and their tendency to go completlely limp and relaxed when picked up - like a rag doll! Often referred to as " dog-like" they are highly sociable, follow their owners from room to room and will happily greet you at the door. They thrive on human attention and companionship, actively seeking out cuddles and laps to snuggle on.