Doggy Date

Last week I was chatting to a couple of guys I work with and told them what I got up to the night before; they thought  I was insane. I already have a rep as crazy-dog lady, and this really didn't help that! Just when they thought it couldn't get any crazier I took it to a whole other level... last week (and this weekend!) I took Panda on a doggy date with her boyfriend: my friend's dog Benny. Yep, that happened. They first met when we had a summer BBQ last year, and it was puppy love at first sight.

Ever since then, there has been lots of texting and video-messaging; and as with any new relationship, Panda and Benny have had their fair share of Facebook drama, like the time I posted this picture of Panda and Teddy at the beach....

... And Benny got all sad like this! Look at those puppy dog eyes; I mean, come on!

Fast forward a year, and they are still loved up; so to celebrate this, we took them to Danson Park! They had a great time running around and attempting to swim with the ducks. They both got jealous when a dog of the opposite sex came over and made sure to ward them off!

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As any good date does, the evening ended with food. Even if Benny was a little embarrassed that this meant him and his date were being hand fed by his mummy!

This weekend we headed back to the park, this time with Poppy in tow, for a little picnic. They all had such a fun time playing fetch and watching us play bat and ball, that Poppy barely even noticed that she was the third wheel!

I think we'll have to get another doggy date in the diary soon #crazydoglady!!!

Summer at the beach + Teddy 1 year update

We have been making the most of the sunny weather in London recently by making lots of trips to the beach. We usually go to Herne Bay on the Kent coast, as it is not too far from us and has dog friendly areas all year round. It is without a doubt the dogs' favourite place to go, as they all love chasing after stones and playing in or at least near the water. Whilst Poppy and Teddy love to go swimming, Panda and Kitty watch from the sidelines, afraid of getting their paws wet!

On our last visit to the beach, after a long stone chasing and swimming session, we decided to get chips to eat on the beach. Whilst my mum went in to the fish and chip shop, I waited outside with 4 soggy dogs, smelling - as I'm sure you can imagine - absolutely delicious!! 

The drowned rats dogs sat so patiently whilst we ate the chips; okay, you caught me, only because they were waiting for the sausage that's in my hand (using food as a bribe is pretty much the only way I can get a picture of all 4 of them together)!

Whilst the dogs love playing at the beach, I think we enjoy watching them have fun even more. It is especially nice to see Teddy running around like a crazy dog and swimming in the sea, as this is something which he was too nervous to do a few months ago.

I can't believe it was 1 year ago yesterday that someone posted a link on the Cockapoo Owners Club to a preloved advert for a brown cockapoo boy needing a home. Over the past year, he's become so much more confident and loving, and we couldn't imagine our lives without him. Whilst I love puppies, there is nothing like rescuing a dog! It is is such a rewarding thing to do if you have the time and love to help build up their trust. Teddy has transformed from a nervous and withdrawn dog; into a crazy, loving, and very mischievous little monster... who occasionally likes to wear flowers in his hair!

You have changed our lives for the better; and we love you TEDSTER!

Country living

This weekend we went to Great Malvern to visit Matt's mum and dad. I was super excited, of course to see them, but also because this was the first I was reunited with Evie and her mummy Tina since she went to her new home. The feeling seemed to be mutual, at least on Evie's part, as judging by the wagginess of her tale and all of her wriggling, I think she definitely remembered me.

We went for a walk on the Malvern Hills, although to me it felt more like we were climbing Mount Kilamanjaro! However, it was well worth it as the view from the top was stunning. It was also so nice to see Evie running around the Hills enjoying herself.

Evie also had her first encounter with horses, including Grand National competitor Simon. She was a little unsure at first, probably thinking that they were very large, very strange looking dogs! She alternated between nervous little barks and hiding between Matt's legs!

Evie has grown into such a confident, friendly little dog; and it was so nice to see how happy she is with her new mummy.