Thanks Tude, its good to hear your views. In Britain people in general think its disgusting that the french eat horses.

Everyones different I guess!

Yes, Lisa, your observations are pretty acurate. I guess its harder for me because I'm not from the town I living in now. My previous home was more like you describe Cornwall. Now I have a 'chav' dog but because he's a lovely, friendly dog and I've trained him I dont fit the stereotype. Plus I dont have the right gear myself obviously! I think this is teaching me how so many people live in fear and believe what the papers and media say. Its such a shame. They say more people are bitten by retrievers than any other breed. There's a lot more fear in town than in the country.