These last 6 weeks have been busy and exciting as we’ve been welcoming our new puppy, Dolly, into our lives. We picked her up 5 weeks ago and time has whizzed by in a blur of frenzied activity and snuggles.
Despite growing up in a household where we had pups, I didn’t remember how much time and dedication they require. My rose-tinted spectacles recalled lots of cuddles, fun and snoozes but somehow skipped over the toileting accidents, sleep deprivation and razor-sharp puppy teeth that snap at anything nearby.
Up until last week, every stretch and sound had me on high alert, ready to whip her up and take her outdoors for ‘wee-wee’s’. However, she now goes to the door to let us know that she needs the toilet and we’re finally able to take her for walks so she can burn off some energy.
I feel so lucky that I work from home and can give her the time and attention she needs. Our training efforts are starting to pay off and she now sits, heels and will ‘leave’ on request (which is handy for those times when she decides to chomp on our fingers or furniture). She’s also sleeping through the night and is getting used to the daily routines.
Dolly Daydream
Little Dolly Daydream is a sprocker spaniel, a combination of a cocker and springer spaniel. She’s the pup of my parent’s dog, Henry, and my friend’s dog, Cola.
My Grandad bought Henry for my Mum and Dad shortly before he died, which makes Dolly just that little bit extra special.
Why Dolly Daydream? Well, when we went to view the litter, she was the pup that would step back from the hustle and bustle and sit and ponder, as if in a daydream. And as my Grandad’s nickname for my Nanna was ‘Dolly’, the name felt perfect.
Preparing for a new puppy
Time seemed to fly in the run-up to bringing Dolly home and whilst we had most of the ‘big items’, such as a puppy crate, bed and food bowls. We had to make a few last-minute purchases.
Below is a list of the essentials and some of the extras we bought that Dolly has loved:
- Iams puppy food – As Dolly was weaned on this, we’ve decided to keep her on it for the time being. This 12kg bag worked out much cheaper than buying smaller bags from the supermarket.
- Kong for small dogs – Perfect for saving our sofas, furniture and fingers from being chewed.
- Puppy blankets – These were so good that we ended up ordering another set. We’ve been using these in her bed along with some old towels for extra warmth and in case of accidents. They wash well and have survived lots of chewing.
- Training pads – These have been perfect for lining her crate and putting near the door in case of accidents. We’ve also used them in the car during vet visits. They’re pretty substantial and leakproof compared to some of the others I’ve seen.
- Snail chew toy – One of Dolly’s favourite teddies.
Life with Dolly
The past 5 weeks have been spent working to Dolly’s schedule – working while she’s asleep (I quickly learnt there was no point trying to work while she was in play-mode), early mornings of puppy play rather than my usual morning routine and much more time spent reading during her quieter moments.
On the whole, life has taken on a slower pace. There’s been room for reflection and I’ve been able to re-read one of my favourite books, The Year of Less. It’s got me considering what I truly need in my life and where the next year will take me. Something I’ll write about in a future post once I’ve consolidated my ideas.
This time has also helped me realise what I truly value – journalling, working out, making time for creativity, spending quality time with Carla and cooking healthy, nutritious meals. I’ve also started to think about what I can release from my life and what no longer adds value.
They say a change is as good as a rest and the last 5 weeks with Dolly have been amazing. I feel like there’s so much I can learn from this little bundle of fun who lives life on her terms and finds so much joy in each moment.
So welcome little Dolly Daydream, I’m so pleased to have you by my side and I can’t wait for our adventures together. We’re going to have so much fun!