Festive walk for sausage dogs in ancient woodland

A CHRISTMAS-THEMED sausage dog walk took place from the Old Luxters Barn in Hambleden on Saturday.

About 30 dachshunds and their owners walked around the ancient woodland of Great Hambleden Wood.

The smooth, long and wirehaired standard and miniature dogs wore Christmas jumpers, turkey costumes and Santa suits.

Their owners dressed in warm layers and wore hats, scarves and gloves.

Among the dogs was Frankie, six, a black and tan dachshund, who was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease and underwent major surgery to restore his mobility last year. Helen Middleton from Wallingford brought him along to the walk in a stroller, wrapped in a thick blanket. He was helped out of the stroller sporadically to walk by himself to help him regain the use of his back legs. Liza Rivers, 48, who works in property and is from Emmer Green, attended for the first time with her son Will, nine, and Princess Leia, four months.

She said the group was caring towards them as first-timers and towards her son, who has additional needs.

Ms River said: “The group was very kind and caring. It was great for Will to attend, being outside and socialising is great for him.

“There were people of different ages. He felt confident because he had his dog, who we got to get him outside and involved in the community.”