My family had a small holding as I was growing up. We had around 50 Jacob sheep, a couple of Dexter cows, Gloucester Old Spot pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, and even a turkey. This was alongside many dogs and cats (at max count 15 dogs, eight cats, I think) and several horses. It was madness as well as tough work, but also wonderful. I loved spending hours running feral outside, helping to care for the animals. This led me to my career path (A zoology degree followed by training to become a veterinarian). After working in the clinical veterinary industry for a number of years, I decided to take a career break while raising my family (anyone who has worked in the profession or knows a veterinarian personally is aware of the long hours and extreme mental health toll).
So this brings us to now. My husband, while not as animal-y as me, enjoys our pets too. It has been a long-term dream of mine to give my children the lifestyle I knew growing up, as well as live a slower and more self-sufficient lifestyle. Before we moved, we already had two dogs, two cats, a horse, and four chickens.
2022 marked the year we decided the time to take the plunge had arrived. My husband was working entirely remotely, thanks to COVID. I had taken a step back from veterinary employment to be self-employed as a freelance writer and small business owner. We knew we wanted to relocate to the North East of England to be closer to family, and when we found this little house in Weardale, we both knew it was "The One." As its previous occupants were downsizing to be nearer to their grandkids, we agreed to take over the two farm cats that had moved in with them alongside the eight chickens that lived at the bottom of the garden. We very quickly added our pony, "Chiefy", to the mix as a companion for my ridden horse (as well as a hopeful first pony for my daughter should she be interested). Three rescue guinea pigs joined the mix in late December.
For 2023 we have big plans involving sheep, goats, alpacas, and ducks, but for the time being, we have plenty to be contending with already! The winter months here are harsh, but so far, we couldn't be more excited, and all the animals have settled into this new way of life well.
