How to ease your dog out of lockdown
After spending a year with us at home, our dogs will have to re-learn independence. Katy Birchall finds out how we can help.
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Dog theft: Why it's rising, and what you can do to protect your pet
Lockdown brought with it a huge demand for people wanting dogs, to keep them company in long hours spent alone at home. Sadly, that's sparked a huge rise in dog theft. Katy Birchall reports on a ‘low-risk, high-reward’ crime and gets suggestions on how you can protect your pooch – or get him or her back if the worst happens.
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Charlie Mackesy on The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: 'It's humbling... The reaction was beyond anything I ever imagined'
Charlie Mackesy is the author and illustrator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the bestselling — and hugely poignant — book that celebrates kindness and understanding. He spoke to Katy Birchall about why there’s no shame in showing weakness and asking for help.
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Sheepdog trials: How farmers' bluster has led to 150 years of enthralling, fascinating competition
The original working trials may have stemmed from banter over whose border collie was better, but, as members of the International Sheep Dog Society tell Katy Birchall, the special relationship between man, dog and sheep continues to enthral.
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How to teach an old dog new tricks? Engage their brains as well as their bodies
Long walks might be good for tiring your dog out, but, as Katy Birchall discovers, brain games are equally as important when it comes to relieving boredom, anxiety and restlessness for man’s best friend.
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The greatest children's books that hit the spot for young and old, as chosen by Alan Titchmarsh, Jilly Cooper, Ian Rankin and more
Children’s books offer an escape from reality that can last well into adulthood. Here's our pick of the very best.
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'We're not here to judge... if people need us, we come': How the RNLI London crews keep residents, tourists and even dogs safe from the Thames
The RNLI's two busiest lifeboat stations aren't on the coast: they're the Tower and Chiswick lifeboat crews who keep people safe on the Thames in Central London. Katy Birchall reports.
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Vizslas: Superior at first, but docile, gentle at heart and prone to stick to you like glue
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Boxer dogs: Loyal, trusting and affectionate – once you get past the drool
Clownish and energetic, yet devoted and trainable, boxer dogs make an entertaining addition to the family.
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Keeping fish: Building a world-class aquarium, choosing what to put in it — and getting them to swim into your arms
Keeping fish at your home can bring a great sense of serenity — but did you know that fish can become tame, and swim right up to your arms? Katy Birchall found out more.
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Fox-red labradors: Why red is the new black
From russet red to ever-so-slightly blushed, the fox-red is growing in popularity across the country sporting world. However, the gundog of the moment goes further back than you think, discovers Katy Birchall.
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Why we love our mongrels, by Jilly Cooper, Jeremy Irons and more owners who love their Heinz 57s
They might be the underdogs of the canine world, but true Heinz 57s–whether born by accident or design–will always hold a special place in our hearts, says Katy Birchall
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The best places in Britain to go and hear Christmas choir services over the festive period
Katy Birchall takes a look at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College, Cambridge, and picks out some more of the best Christmas choir services across the country.
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The Italian Greyhound: Tiny, beloved of royalty and anything but fast (until they put their minds to it)
Italian Greyhounds are a conundrum: for all their speed potential they're usually infuriatingly slow, miniature-sized – and they're not even Italian. No wonder they've entranced people since the heyday of the ancient Egyptians, as Katy Birchall explains.
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Which breed makes the best gundog? The pros and cons of labradors, spaniels, terriers and more
Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged for centuries. Katy Birchall asks which breed works for you.
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Where to go and see bluebells this spring
We round up the best gardens to visit to see carpets of bluebells this spring and explain how to tell the difference between the native flowers and foreign interlopers
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Why socks are the new ties – and what yours say about you
Two years ago, Country Life decried the wearing of lilac socks. But times change, and so do we: it's time to acknowledge that socks are the new ties, as Katy Birchall explains.
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10 things you need to know about Operation Santa: How the Royal Mail helps Father Christmas reply to children across Britain
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Battersea Dogs Home's place in the country, where you'll find dogs for walking and working
Battersea Dogs Home isn't only in Battersea – they also have centres out in the country where you could find the ideal walking companion or even a working dog. Katy Birchall paid a visit, with photographs by Andrew Sydenham.
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The Christmas crackers you need on your table this year
Don't end up disappointed with toe-curling jokes and miniature screwdrivers – here's what you could get instead...
