This time of year is a peak one for calves to be out in the fields, and most of the time they lead a peaceful bovine existence.

However, they can pose a threat to ramblers.

Cows are naturally protective of their calves, and young stock can often be curious and playful, and try to push their boundaries - literally and metaphorically.

The NFU and the Ramblers’ Association give the following advice:

Take the best route and avoid a footpath with cows or calves on it if at all possible.

Never pet calves.

Ensure that the animals see you and don’t surprise them.

Don’t panic and run; just walk on quietly.

If you have a dog and the cows and calves have started to show signs of aggression, let the dog off its lead so that it can run away and divert the cows away from you (it is likely that the cattle are objecting to the dog more than you).

And another piece of advice that most experienced ramblers will know about is to carry a whistle, which will startle the herd and buy you time to find an escape route.

Cow and calf attacks on people are rare but they do happen and 70 fatalities have been recorded in the UK since 2000.

But don’t let this put you off enjoying the wonderful Manx countryside and going for long dog walks along our excellent footpaths and bridleways. We have two border collies in our kennels that would love to accompany you on these walks, making them even more enjoyable and purposeful.

JT is seven and a typical collie in that he is active and playful, and he loves people.

He chases anything that moves, especially if it has wheels (collie owners will be smiling as they read this!) and so his new family will need to be extra careful when out on walks with him.

He is used to children, but we’re recommending that he is rehomed with older children who will be able to cope with his ’high energy’ and playfulness.

He loves to be outdoors, and he deserves to have a lovely back garden in which to relax for a few hours every day and enjoy the summer.

He does not get on with other dogs, though, and will need to be the only animal in a household.

Our other black and white collie, Buddy, has been with us for several months because he was so nervous and scared when he first came to Ard Jerkyll, and the kennels staff have been working hard to help him overcome his anxieties.

He has made great progress and has gone from being a dog who couldn’t even walk past a car to now being able to jump into one.

Buddy is only a year old, and he’s a very clever young dog, and so his continuing education will pay dividends.

He will need to go to a new owner who is prepared to invest time in him, and who will be patient.

Unlike JT, Buddy likes other dogs and he may well benefit from being with a companion who he can play with and learn from, which will help develop his confidence still further.

The cattery team have been busy matching adopters with kittens, and assessing homefinder questionnaires.

A potential adopter’s home being close to a busy road can be an issue given kittens like to explore and may not have much road-sense, and so an older cat is best in these circumstances.

Goodie, a very large, four-year-old ginger male, is a great ’all-rounder’ of a cat in that he gets on with other animals and children - although he would need a gentle introduction and be given time to get used to his new environment.

He has a personality to match his physique - bold and beautiful!