Market Drayton

Abby the Tabby was due her booster jabs and Market Drayton had a vets just 15 minutes walk away from the canal. We called ahead, registered and made an appointment. Vicky got Abby's previous vets to email her records so the new practice would know what type of vaccine she'd had.

It was a gorgeous sunny day to travel and we moored next to a hedge lined field just out of town. A busy road could be heard but not seen and the towpath was well maintained and dry underfoot for the dogs to enjoy a good run.

Abby protested with a few meows when Vicky bundled her into the carrier and set off with it slung over her shoulder with a makeshift strap. She found the walk less stressful than a car ride though and perhaps even enjoyed seeing the sights from the safety of the box. She was an angel at the vets, who were happy with her health. There's a little muscle wastage in her back legs as she isn't as mobile as she used to be. Vicky has been snipping the tips of her claws lately as they aren't retracting easily - another sign of old age. This has made it more comfortable for her and stopped her getting nails snagged in fabrics.

Market Drayton's canalside is beautiful, with neatly trimmed grass, flowers outside the end of gardens, finger moorings and an old wharf and marina. It's a 10 minute walk into the town itself, many parts of which have suffered in the economic downturn. Empty shops and others only open on certain days seemed as common as those still trading full time. One business that is thriving is the Joules Brewery Tap- the Red Lion. Sunday was warm and sunny so we took the dogs for a mosey round town and a drink outside the pub. We liked it so much we went back the next day!Read more