Wednesday, 15 July 2015

A new addition to the family

We have been thinking about getting a dog for ages. Before we had the children, we bought a Golden Retriever called Woody. He was the best dog - loving, well behaved and fabulous with the children and all the other animals that we introduced along the way. Woody was an integral part of our family for nearly 16 years and it was crippling when he finally became too ill. For quite some time none of us could face another dog and then I went back to work so cats seemed a better bet as they are so much more independent. When I stopped working, we started talking about dogs again, but couldn't agree. Mr D wanted a puppy, I wanted a smaller dog and a rescue dog, my son wants a husky (!!) and so on and so on ..... The discussion would happen, none of us could agree, so it was put on the back burner again.
However, an opportunity has arisen and so we have adopted a black labrador. His name is presently Jet although that may change, he is 2 years old and his owner is working full time and cannot give him the attention he needs. She has therefore made the tough, but brave decision to put him up for adoption to a home where someone is around during the day. He came on a day visit on Sunday - I wanted to see how he was with the chickens before making a decision. He was calm, friendly, good with other dogs, fairly disinterested in the chickens (they were thinking, jeez foxes are sure getting big these days!). The cats were disgusted with us, but they can fend for themselves and I'm sure they will find a way to let him know that they were there first! He's a bit porky, so will be put on a diet and gentle exercise routine to get him back into shape, but I get the feeling he will settle in just fine. 
When we move to our bigger house in the country, we will look at having a second dog, probably a puppy and Jet can teach him the ropes! 


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22 comments:

  1. Pam15 July 2015 at 08:32

    He looks to be a handsome chap, I hope that it all works out well, both for him and you.

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:30

      So far, so good! He really has a lovely temperament. :)

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  2. Dawn15 July 2015 at 09:48

    Wonderful he looks like my Sol, I think its great you have taken on a dog that needs re-homing, it takes about six weeks for them to settle into a new home and then it will be as if he has always been there, I look forward to reading about Jet's adventures in his new home :-)

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:31

      Yes, he's still at the stage of following me around everywhere! The cats hate it, but I guess even they might get used to the situation over time. We've given them the upstairs and he has to stay downstairs!

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  3. Sue15 July 2015 at 12:14

    There's something about black Labs (and our Collie thought so too, she always had a twinkle in her eye when one passed), they are just accepting of life, quietly confident and real characters.

    I wish you many happy years with your new family member, I think he will fit in just fine. And a big boy dog about the place will keep the chickens safe just with his presence.

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:32

      Thanks - he's a very lovely boy and very calm so an excellent addition!

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  4. Living Alone in Your 60's15 July 2015 at 12:39

    He sits there so proud and regal. I miss having a dog. We will in the future but not now.

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:33

      Yes it's been a while since we had our last dog and we had been going to wait until we moved, but he's too lovely to miss out on :)

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  5. Debdor15 July 2015 at 12:47

    This is a comment for your last post really - sorry, but I have tears of laughter rolling down my face. Your number one, is basically my diet if I am having a slobby week LOL

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:34

      Oh dear! Good job I don't live in your house then!! :)

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  6. Chickpea15 July 2015 at 20:09

    What a handsome fella, lucky you and lucky him. Hopefully one day I will be in the position to welcome a dog into our home.

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:35

      He has a very kind and expressive face. Dogs are really special additions to the family.

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  7. angryparsnip15 July 2015 at 20:53

    Lovely just lovely !
    Good for you and him.

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:35

      Thanks - he's a lovely boy and is settling in very quickly :)

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  8. SusanM16 July 2015 at 08:04

    That's lovely for both you and him. Enjoy xx

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:36

      Thank you. He certainly seems happy here and we are all very excited to have him too!

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  9. Jan16 July 2015 at 09:11

    He looks a lovely boy, I am sure he will quickly settle in with you. Labs are such easy-going dogs. Good luck.
    Jan and Poppy ( my chocolate lab)

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    1. Happeninguponhappiness16 July 2015 at 16:37

      Yes, he's very well behaved and great with other dogs in the park. He's even been good with the chickens. Unfortunately he chases cats so that's something we need to work on!

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    2. SusanM16 July 2015 at 19:37

      Perhaps a stair gate or stair gates to give the cats their space?

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    3. Happeninguponhappiness17 July 2015 at 14:10

      Yes we may need to try that. At the moment, he is staying downstairs of his own accord, but if I had lots to do upstairs he would want to be with me, so I have t tidied the bedrooms much this week! Good excuse, I reckon :)

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  10. Jan16 July 2015 at 09:11

    He looks a lovely boy, I am sure he will quickly settle in with you. Labs are such easy-going dogs. Good luck.
    Jan and Poppy ( my chocolate lab)

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  11. Unknown3 August 2015 at 15:51

    Hello, I have just come across your blog and wanted to ask if you kept Jet's name or came up with a new one. We have a black lab too (3 years old) and she's scared of everything - except water (other than baths obviously!). I hope you all have fun whilst he settles in with his new family.

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