Just catching a quiet few minutes whilst Daisy is asleep to write this. The big day was on Sunday when I went to collect Daisy, a darling Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, aged 8 weeks. Driving over to get her I contemplated the changes this would bring to the quiet life my Golden Retriever Hazel and I had become accustomed to. How would they get on? How would our routine change? Would life ever be the same?
Well, no, life wouldn't be the same. But that wasn't the idea of it. We had new experiences to look forward to, lots of fun and an upheaval of the best kind, the kind that stops you getting in a rut and broadens your horizons.
I arrived home with Daisy at 11.15 on Sunday morning. I put the pet carrier with Daisy in it on the drive and went to open the front door. Hazel came out and immediately went to the carrier, sniffed and looked in, then gave me a look as if to say "what is THAT?" I said "this is our new puppy Daisy and she has come to live with us". I opened the door of the carrier and Daisy stepped out without hesitation at which point big, brave Hazel turned on her heels and ran indoors!
We came indoors and there were a few mutual sniffs. Daisy was very curious about Hazel and kept approaching but was met with indifference, Hazel turning her head the other way. Actually it has been the best thing because they are giving each other space to settle down and get used to the changes. And today Hazel actually allowed Daisy to snuggle next to her on the settee and they had quite a long sleep together.
Hazel is rather like a dignified Aunt - tolerant, patient and kind but not impressed by show-off antics! I think it all works rather well.
It is a real boon that Daisy is taking to house training so easily. Apart from a couple of deposits on the first day, for the last two days she has been completely clean in the house. I take her outside frequently and have got up at 3am the last two nights to take her outside. She "performs" every time!
I haven't got much done at all since Sunday. Hours have been spent cuddling and then, when the puppy is asleep, I have been taking Hazel for a walk and giving her extra fusses to make her feel special too. Then there is the time spent just watching Daisy sleep and not wanting to move because she has the perfect position flopped over my arm! And that puppy smell.... it is just wonderful!
Must go - a tiny yap is coming from the kitchen. Baby is awake!
She looks so happy i'm so pleased shes settled in so well take good care of her and give her a cuddle for me. Kerry.
Posted by: Kerry | Mar 10, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Hi Kerry
I am giving Daisy a cuddle from you as I type this with my free hand!
Thank you for caring for her and giving her such a good start in life. I am so glad I found her and she is very much loved.
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | Mar 10, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Hi Just wanted to say I love the pictures of new Daisy and following the progress on twitter, it's a lovely site. You also made a comment and how I wish we could bottle that beautiful new puppy smell! It brought back beautiful memories. Keep up the good work. Love Karen
Posted by: Karen | Mar 11, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Hi Karen
Wonder if we could make "essence of puppy smell"?!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | Mar 11, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Dawn
You are SUCH a proud mother! I'm wondering whether I need to nip out to the shop and get you a New Baby card with lots of pink ribbons...
Anyway, she's a beaut. LOVE the pic of the two of them on settee. Hazel is still deciding what she thinks of Daisy but Daisy is quite sure Hazel's her new foster mum.
Awwwwwww!
PS I was wondering why I'd heard nothing from you and now I know why!
Love
Marion xxx
Posted by: Marion Ryan | Mar 11, 2009 at 05:51 PM