One year on

Friday marked one year of dog ownership - although sometimes I'm not sure who owns who. Last year we had been talking about a dog - well co-owner had and I'd been making mmmmming noises. I've never had a dog, I'm a cat person. My Mother had had three Yorkshire Terriers in the past but I hadn't really got involved with them. We did have a German Shepherd  - Duke - for a while but he terrified me, I think I was about 13 or 14. We should have known better as he had been owned by the police force but was deemed untrainable. He was big and he was strong. If my parents went out in the evening I would become marooned on an armchair, before they left I would tuck a dog treat under the cushion. Then, when I wanted to go to bed I would hurl the treat as far from me as possible and while Duke was distracted I would make a run for the hall and slam the door. He didn't stay around for long.

Back to the present. We were in a position to have a dog as we are at home most of the day. Our garden was small but we lived by the sea so canine walking was not an issue. Anyway, we happened to be at our sister in laws one Sunday and mentioned that we were thinking about getting a dog. Just thinking. She got very excited. On the way home we got a phone call from her - could we see a Labradoodle tomorow? She knew someone who had a sibling of one and it was gorgeous. Wednesday we took Mortimer home.

First day - exploring

What?

It's all too much

First beach walk

Totally at home

 

 

Me & my dawg

Do I regret it -no.

P.S for those of you who follow us here , yes that is a photo of the nearly finished sitting room.

Old friends & new

You may remember that on Sunday mornings we try to be in the orchard at about 10 a.m so that Mortimer can have a play with Zelda, Jim's guide dog. Unfortunately we've been so busy with the house that we've missed a few. But this week we made a real effort and managed to meet up.  Zelda ad Mortimer find that windfall apples make for a great game.

Zelda finds first

Sensing a distraction, Mortimer's off

This week however Mortimer was in doggy heaven. Patricia & David, who puppy train guide dogs, have a new addition - Krispin.

First sighting of Krispin

Krispin is a gorgeous bundle of trouble who was keen to play with the big boys.....

Too big to fit

Mortimer didn't seem to mind

Doggy hug

However at just 18 weeks old Krispin flagged early and needed a healthy snack for an energy boost.

Looking weary

As well as Krispin, David & Patricia are looking after Hamish for a few weeks. 'Handsome Hamish' is 10 and a retired guide dog. Although happy to see the other dogs he was more content to lie in the cool grass.

Meeting Hamish

Enjoying retirement

Complete obedience

Dog bundle

Back home & exhausted

I think Mortimer will be setting the alarm for next Sunday.