"It is absolutely beautiful.''
Margaret had to leave her beloved dog behind in the States with her former partner so as soon she moved into Marton she researched breeders and finally got a new dog, a blue merle Australian shepherd.
"When I exercised the dog I really wondered where all the local dogs and dog owners were, so I decided to set up a club.''
In February she started Tails and Trails dog club which meets up on Saturdays at 10am at Sir James McLean Park in Marton.
"It's been a great success and there are 40 members now.''
Her club mission was to make the Rangitikei (and beyond) an awesome place to be a dog owner, she said.
"When we first got here last year it was difficult and time consuming researching to find out where we could and couldn't go for walks on four legs."
There were all those important questions where was the walk to be:
• on lead or off lead
• Would there be livestock present
• Were there dangers to be aware of
• Is it a busy spot
• Can we do a loop trek or do we have to return the same way?
• How long will the walk take
• Is the water safe for swimming
After researching she decided to share the information she'd collected with the neighbours.
"We wondered if other local dogs might be wanting to get some good socialisation time in as well, so the idea of a local dog club began to blossom."
Margaret said Tails & Trails is about getting out and having fun in the region.
"Whether it is meeting up for a romp in the park, tramping a beach circuit or reserve or finding the best spot to pick up those new toys and treats."
She said the Tails & Trails website is a one-stop shop for all things canine in the region and a good resource for great walks to do with your fur buddy.
"Like dog friendly spots, a community forum, information about doggy meet-ups and, to build a sense of community including member profiles which feature your dogs and all their loveable (and maybe not so loveable) quirks."
All dogs are welcome to join the pack (keeping in mind the all important individual responsibilities as good dog owners) and membership is free, Margaret said.
"The club is very popular and most Saturdays we have at least 10 dogs, sometimes up to 25.''
Of course there have been a few issues, she said.
"But that's to be expected and all our owners are very responsible. They usually just put the lead on their dogs and banish it from the pack for a while. There has been nothing disastrous because all the owners were very responsible.''