Anne here, hoping you all enjoyed the festive season.
I ended up giving myself an unexpected but very special gift this year. Some of you will remember my lovely Chloe-dog (she of the red feather boa) who died in 2011. I haven't been able to make myself get another dog since then, but last week I was noodling around on the internet and I came across this image. https://www.petrescue.com.au/listings/335294
Yes, it was that look in her eyes that did it, even though I hadn't planned to get a dog yet. I phoned up and made an appointment to go down and meet her and also be interviewed as a suitable owner. It was a three hour drive, but I enjoy driving, and it's summer here and the weather was perfect so it was a lovely little excursion.
I drove down and met her. She's wiggly and snuggly and sweet-natured and affectionate and eager to please, and we bonded immediately. I wasn't able to take her home straight away — they have a rule that says all rescue dogs must be neutered, so she's going to be spayed tomorrow and I'll pick her up and bring her home a day or two later.
I'm calling her Millie because Amelia, while a lovely name, isn't the sort of name to be yelled across an oval or a dog park.
She's a kelpie-cross — kelpies are Australian sheep and cattle herding dogs. They're very smart and agile and active. My Chloe-dog was also a kelpie cross, so I have some idea of what to expect, though of course, all dogs are different.
So I'm looking around my house and garden with an eye to making it puppy-proof, and getting ready for obedience training and lots and lots of walks —and lots and lots of laughs. I think we'll be good for each other, don't you?
Millie was the gift I gave myself this year. Did you give yourself a gift? Do you have a pet that enriches your life? Any advice for me about Millie?