Somewhere in my head for a long time, I have carried a picture of two dogs, one black, one blond, sharing my life and although over the years I have often had one dog to accompany me on my walks, two seemed an impossible dream; time, space, money, work, practical considerations all held me back.
So when my sister-in-law phoned me to tell me about her new puppy, a working cocker cross, with brothers and sisters waiting for their forever homes, I really tried hard to say no. Taking on another dog, rather like having another child, is a massive commitment and there is rarely a perfect moment, but she convinced me that this was a litter worth looking at, both parents living in a home environment and the puppies being raised in the house with children, all beautiful, healthy and well balanced.
I think the point of no return came when I picked up the phone just to have a chat with the breeder and found myself making an appointment to visit. My husband was no help at all and frankly encouraged me in achieving this long held dream and somehow we went from 'shall we have another dog' to 'which puppy shall we choose'? (Actually, he chose us). After all, if not now, when? Crazy I know but we will find a way to make it work and still have our freedom too. After all, if you have one dog, how much more of a problem can two be? No doubt we shall find out, but we are committed now and delighted to welcome Oskar to our family.
Are you a dog lover? Would you have been sensible, or like me, would you have followed your heart?
and some frosty Suffolk scenes...
Adorable - I'm sure you'll all be very happy together!
ReplyDeleteYes, and hard work too but hopefully it will all work out!
DeleteAdorable - I'm sure you'll all be very happy together!
ReplyDeleteHe is simply adorable and I can see why you found him irresistible.
ReplyDeleteAh, but was it wise? Lots of ups and downs, but improving every day.
DeleteI love your wintry landscape - and who could resist that adorable face!
ReplyDeleteThank you Barb. We have had very little proper winter yet so it was good to see the frost. And indeed, who could? Not me!
DeleteHello Marianne,
ReplyDeleteOskar is adorable and his eyes go right to the heart. He looks like he is a perfect fit for your family.
He will also be wonderful company on your walks
The do, don't they Helen. Just hoping the two dogs will become good friends.
DeleteI follow my heart all the way. What a cutie and how could anyone look at that face and say no. How lucky for you that he captured your heart and adopted you. I am sure you smile more than you did before you had him. Puppies are a lot of work but give such great rewards.
ReplyDeleteGoing to see a litter is absolutely fatal, but my dog family is complete now and it will be no from now on. He has captured our hearts despite the hard work involved.
DeleteI think I'd have been sunk at the first look at Oskar. He is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted two dogs. I think that as long as I am working I will have to be satisfied with one, but when I stop work....watch out!
Your frosty photos are lovely. The berries and the view across the water - gorgeous wintry scenes.
Strangely enough we had initially decided on his brother, being the calmer of the two, but Oskar was determined to go home with us, and he did! Not sure how two dogs will work but hopefully it will be fine in time.
DeleteI love a good frost - it transforms everything it touches.
We had two yellow labs (sisters) and one of the great things about having two dogs was they had no separation anxiety when we were out. One downside was that they never came well, and would happily run off together, supporting each other in their misdemeanours. How could anyone resist Oskar, such a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteLitter mates are always a good choice because they already have the bond. Our existing dog is not at all sure about this new arrival, although she will baby sit him overnight. I do hope we can sort out the coming when called - lots of training perhaps.
DeleteOskar is an offer you couldn't refuse. I would have followed my heart too - he's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know Molly. Sometimes life just throws us an opportunity we can't walk away from. Wish us luck!
DeleteOskar is a darling! I didn't plan on a second dog. We saw Roobarb at the rescue, a few days later I was driving home with her in the back of the car. I loved having 2 dogs, I always felt they would be company for one another when we went out.
ReplyDeleteExcellent new Kath - hoping that two dogs will work well for us too. He is a darling, so appealing!
DeleteOh, now I'm yearning! And I don't even have one. . . But we've had 26 or so years with dogs (and perhaps 30 with cats), and I always thought a second one would have been brilliant. Lucky you! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteNow is the time to find out if two dogs really is better than one - hope so! Not at all sensible, but then being sensible has never really been my thing. Enjoy Rome!
DeleteI think you were both sensible AND you followed your heart. Who could possibly resist that little munchkin.. so adorable. Congrats. :)
ReplyDeleteWho indeed Hilary? Lots of work but very rewarding. As for sensible....
DeleteI think constraints of both time and money would have been the deciding factor in my case, but how lucky you are to have Oskar - he is charming! By the way, I am available for pet sitting when you go on holiday ..........!
ReplyDeleteNow that is an interesting proposition Ann! With 5 animals sharing our home now, pet sitting is becoming a big issue.
DeleteI think that puppies, kittens and babies are not matters to leave for days when you are particularly wise or sensible! So long as no one is actually going to suffer, or starve, then these decisions are best made with the heart. Or so I think, anyway..... And yes, he is irresistible, and I want one now!
ReplyDeleteThat's my philosophy too Rachel. But, my animal family is now complete! No vacancies, none at all...
DeleteOne look at Oskar and I can understand why you went with your heart. Knowing Oskar's background, your sister-in-law has one of the litter and your husband was all for it must have helped in your decision making. I would love the company of a dog, but the time isn't right at present. We had a cream coloured lab and a cocker spaniel when we had a young family and a pointer (as a pet not a working dog) when we lived in the Italian countryside.
ReplyDeleteThe time is rarely right Linda, but with all the travelling you do, I'm sure that is sensible. We currently have a 5 year old blond labrador and the cocker, so same mix. Pointers are among my favourites too! I hadn't realised how good our labrador has become until we acquired our new vandal - lots of work there.
DeleteMarianne, it is plain to see why you could not resist, Oskar is adorable, and those sad puppy eyes!! We have a dog, a Westie, but being a terrier he is not the most affectionate of dogs. My daughter is so dying to have a puppy but my husband and I are resisting. You are quite right though to listen to your heart because you will find a way to fit him in and then you'll wonder how you managed without him! Our dog is getting on now and I'm not sure how if would take to a new arrival, but you never know! Thank you for your visit and lovely comments. Jugs seem to be very popular, I am partial myself! Love Linda x
ReplyDeletePuppies are lots of work, so I do understand why you are resisting, but, as you say, they do slot in and become part of the family. The biggest issue we have at the moment is the relationship with our older dog - if only he would stop nipping her!
DeleteI'm more of a cat person (though like dogs too) but having lost our two cats very young from a genetic problem (they were litter mates) I don't think we feel strong enough to go through something like that again. But he is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love cats too, and have three. The big downside of course is losing them, but the pleasure they give makes it worthwhile, I think. Sorry to hear you had such a bad experience Pam.
DeleteMarianne, I never grew up with pets and the one time we came home with a goldfish, well, things didn't go too well. Years later, I discovered that I was fiercely allergic to cats, and when we adopted our Prince Richard, back on the island, he never entered the house, but the climate on Crete, made it easy for him to enjoy our garden and the village all year round.
ReplyDeleteYour Oskar is adorable - those eyes! As you said, he chose you, but I wonder, did he sense your admiration, which made him feel all the more confident to approach you? In any case, your new walking companion is a cute addition to your family. Enjoy those beautiful Suffolk surroundings!
Poppy
The goldfish? The mind boggles! I have allergies but not so badly that I need to forego my pet family and he is a very welcome addition - lots of work though!
DeleteHi Marianne, Your new puppy is so cute, I not surprised you couldn't resist. The extra hard work will be worth it in the end! Our life is only beginning to get easier even though our dog is almost a year and a half! I dropped some pegs outside the other day and was amazed he was no longer interested in taking them! Have fun! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteI know it will be but for now it is very full on! Important to enjoy the puppy bit though although I dream of a more settled dog one day.
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