DOGS OF THE NOTSWOLDS: MARLA
“I always wanted a dog called Marlow, as in the town in Buckinghamshire, near to where I grew up. But we didn’t think it was a very feminine name, so she became Marla instead. She’s a black, flat-coated retriever (commonly known as a ‘flattie’). She’s four, and pretty well trained, but like all flatties you have to keep on reminding them about how they should behave! But you couldn’t dream of having a more caring or loyal dog.”
Marla lives with Chris and Nik Young in a village near Stamford. Much like Marla’s own keen ability to find that shoe you didn’t even know was missing, Chris has a knack for uncovering a good story. As a brilliant strategist on the Notswolds team, he's always a step ahead, and Marla’s never far from his side. We caught up with Chris for a chat about dog life, their favourite pup-friendly spots, and of course, walkies.
Where will we usually find your dog?
Normally at one of our feet, or resting in the kitchen. In the summer, she loves to gently wander round the garden checking everything’s as it should be. She likes to feel she’s in charge and everything is in order on her watch.
What’s your dog’s favourite walk?
It’s taking her for a run in Wakerley Woods, between Stamford and Corby. She loves the smells and scents of the woodland. She never goes to far from me, but loves to meet other dogs and explore all that the woodland offers.
What are your recommendations for dog friendly places to go?
In the summer, Pick’s Barn in Lyndon, near Oakham: it’s a small cafe in the countryside that does amazing cooked breakfasts. You can sit outside with the dogs at your feet and all is good with the world. And in the winter, it’s the Finch’s Arms on the Hambleton peninsula at Rutland Water. One of the best restaurants around, but if you’ve got a dog with you, you can have a quick beer in the bar. It’s heaven.
What’s your dog’s toxic trait?
It’s not toxic, but she does love to lick you! Especially when you’re bending down trying to put your shoes on for a walk…it can take a while.
What’s your dog’s quirkiest trait?
Being totally, utterly, single-mindedly determined to find something to put in her mouth whenever you enter a room. Even if you’ve seen her five minutes ago and come back into the room, she tries to find a spare shoe or toy (like her pretend pheasant, pictured) to present to you. It’s all part of that retrieving habit.
Where does your dog sleep?
In the boot room, along with our older dog Coco – she’s a 13-year-old ‘sprocker’ (Springer-Cocker cross).
Is she a dog or best friend?
She’s a dog. But a brilliant one at that… the very best.
Publisher. Designer. Storyteller. Chris Young is one of the leading voices in the gardening world – and Marla’s favourite walking companion. See more of his work at cygardens.co.uk and on Instagram @seewhygardens.
INTRODUCE A DOG OF THE NOTSWOLDS
If you know a Dog of the Notswolds you think we should meet, introduce us at hq@notswolds.com.
