15/06/2026
Good morning, Big Red family.
I woke up early this morning, still smiling and still with my heart completely full after yesterday. What a truly wonderful day.
The weather was perfect, the setting was beautiful, and seeing so many of our adopted dogs again was something very special. Dolly, of course, was there acting like the Queen of Eastbourne, while Axel, my son's dog, had the absolute time of his life.
Seeing Cecil again was emotional. Bless his little heart, he spent quite some time sniffing my hand and leg before deciding who I was. He's getting old now and has the start of some kidney problems, but Janes reassured me everything is under control. It was lovely to see him with his little wife, Honey.
Hamish was an absolute dream, and his lovely mum left me with words that genuinely touched my heart. Then there was little old Hippo, beautiful as ever, and my darling PatsiePony and her beautiful little big sister Aiofe ( spelt wrong i think), who I couldn't stop cuddling.
Clifford and his lovely wife Lottie came along, as did Eddie, Betty and Skye, who many of you will remember as Bam Bam. Watching Skye and Betty together again was wonderful. They ran poor Axel's legs off all afternoon and had an absolute ball.
We were also joined by some lovely dogs who weren't originally from Big Reds, including Dorothea (Dottie), Layla, Harper, Rhubarb, along with Rhubarb's canine partner whose name has completely escaped me and 2 beautiful ginger/ red dogs whos breed I cant bloody rememberbut they were both stunning. If I've forgotten anyone, please forgive me. There were a lot of wagging tails and emotional cuddles to keep track of!
Throughout the day there were so many beautiful comments, generous donations, gifts, treats, harnesses and even a €40 cash donation. I was completely blown away by everyone's kindness.
A massive thank you to Ally Daly , one of my oldest friends, who spent the day making sure I was fed and hydrated. As always, she looked after me brilliantly.
One of the loveliest moments came when an elderly couple approached me while I was sitting on the grass waiting for everyone to arrive. They'd seen our event advertised on the Eastbourne page and had come along out of curiosity.
Later in the afternoon they returned, sat watching all the dogs and their families, and came over for a chat. They told me they'd recently lost their own dog and said, "What a lovely idea. How proud must you be, seeing all these dogs from your rescue in Spain here together today?"
Then they gave me a little round of applause.
I won't lie, that nearly finished me off.
Yesterday was full of moments like that. I had worried that nobody would turn up, but people travelled from all over the country. Some drove down from Yorkshire. Others came from far and wide just to be part of the day.
I was overwhelmed.
And then there was Dolly. She spent the entire day being treated like absolute royalty. I think every single person there cuddled her, kissed her, rubbed her tummy or told her how beautiful she was. By the end of the day she genuinely looked like she believed the entire event had been organised in her honour.
To everyone who came, donated, travelled, supported, chatted, laughed, cried and shared their stories with me, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Yesterday reminded me exactly why we do what we do.
The first Big Reds Reunion was everything I hoped it would be and more.
Eastbourne, you were amazing.
See you next year. ❤️🐾
