Bodger and Badger

Jennie, aka Badger, a Web Designer and Bodger her Collie X Cocker Spaniel.

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From	Skipton, North Yorkshire

Why is the bond so special?

We are known as Bodger and Badger because Bodger looks like a Badger and my blogging name was Badger which just comes from a lifelong obsession with badgers. Many people in my village don’t even know my real name!

I was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome in my 20s, but I have suffered from it all my life. I’d always wanted a dog as a companion and she has helped with my confidence as people don’t dwell on my condition when I’m with Bodger - they are much more interested in stroking and fussing over the dog.

Why did you both want to enter?

Bodger has given me the confidence to try new things, and I wanted to give something back to my best friend. Bodger is a cross breed and I wanted to find out what is going on inside her head. Keeping busy and active helps me so I wanted to learn new skills and activities that I can do with Bodger.

What was your favourite exercise/challenge?

That’s a hard one as there were three we loved, but I think though it would have to be swimming with Bodger. She was so amazing and SO happy that I was in with her. Just seeing how much she trusted me and wanted to swim with me was a really amazing moment. Although I loved the Ghyll Scramble too, just because it was ace fun, and also the Cani-Orienteering was super fun as it mixed a combo of my mapping skills from being a Yorkshire Dales romper and Bodger’s amazing nose and CHEESE…and running - great fun all round.

What did you get out of the contest?

The main thing I got from the whole experience was the friendships I made, I felt totally accepted and it didn’t matter that I ticked often, saying rude and totally random things. I felt accepted and liked in the group and loved every single one of my fellow contestants. I was extremely anxious beforehand about meeting new people, but did it because it was a challenge and I had Bodger with me and knew we were going to have fun. I just had to ride any anxiety because I thougt it would all be ok and it was, I loved it. I would never have considered it without Bodger though. She gives me so much confidence. I also loved getting to do new activities with Bodger. Especially swimming that is something I can’t wait to do again when it gets warmer. We are heading for the rivers asap!