We’re adding to our family! Those of you that have followed us for a while will know that we haven’t been the luckiest when it comes to dogs recently. Our beloved Chocolate Labrador Monty died in January 2017 at the age of 12 and we were utterly broken hearted.
After 6 months, we missed having a dog too much and took a chance on a Romanian stray puppy in July last year. Very sadly, despite our best efforts and hours spent with a trainer, we had to say goodbye to Barney in March too, and were left emotionally bruised and battered. We genuinely didn’t think we could go through it again so we decided that there would be no more dogs for us. The sadness was too much and the children struggled incredibly with every loss. I also felt extreme guilt that we would even consider getting another dog when Barney is still out there. Even though he is with new owners now.
Fast forward a couple of months and my husband comes home talking about a Labrador he’d met on a job. He was going on about the gentle nature, the sweet temperament, the calm manner of this dog. He was clearly quite smitten and casually dropped into conversation that he had the breeder’s contact details.
“NO!” Said I. A resounding no! We’re not ready for another dog. I’m so busy with our home education journey, how would a dog fit in? He kept gently mentioning it. I agreed he could contact the breeder to find out when she would have the next litter. And what do you know, she had one just born. “No, no, no” I said! The next litter after this wouldn’t be until Christmas. I thought this was much better, things would be settled, then it was pointed out to me that toilet training a puppy is a far more pleasant experience in the summer then in the freezing winter. Dave suggested we could just go and see the litter, get a feel for the breeder and the type of labs she has.
The minute I agreed to go and see them, I knew what would happen. Off we went into the Forest of Dean one evening, leaving the kids with my parents, not telling them where we were really going so we didn’t dash their little hopes. (The kids’ not my parents’!) The breeder was lovely, the mother was gentle and the puppies were gorgeous! Only about a week old too, their little eyes weren’t even open. It was a fait accompli really, and the only choice was yellow or black. We decided on yellow and went back with the children a few weeks later to choose which one. We went for the palest as he was the one who stretched up to say hello and had the sweetest face.
Long story short, today we went back to the Forest to pick up our brand new baby, and have spent the last few hours watching him settle in to our home with utter delight. He has tired himself out now, and is fast asleep as I type this.
Everyone, meet Hendrix!
He even has his own instagram already!! A true blogger’s dog! 🙂
Oh my gosh so adorable, making me yearn for a pup of my own!!!!
Oh he is so cute!!! Once a dog owner always a dog owner
What a handsome fellow! Congrats! #bigpinklink
I have already left a comment but my internet crashed so I have no idea if you will get two from me or not! We are 18 months into our lab journey and it has not always been easy but they are amazing pets so loyal and gentle. It will be a great home ed experience and you can add dog training to your list of learning! Have fun with your adventures and I look forward to reading about how he settles in. #BigPinkLink
He is adorable and so very handsome. Please give Hendrix a cuddle for me.
Resistance to a cute LaB is futile!! Hope you enjoy him. #BigPink
You can only decide what is best for you as a family – sometimes we get this right and sometimes not so with pets I know. Pets can only add to the home education mix really so I wouldn’t worry about that. Love Labradors – in fact met one yesterday and was smitten and could have quite happily have brought her home. Here’s to lots of beautiful memories moving forwards with your new arrival #BigPinkLink
Oh he is soo cute! I miss having dogs. Hopefully in the near future we will be able to have one. #bigpinklink
Congrats on your adorable new family member!! #BigPinkLink
aww a fur baby #bigpinklink
Congratulations! Hendrix is adorable!!! I’m sure he is going to be spoilt rotten! #bigpinklink
He is soooooo bloody cute!!!!! Just to warn you I am going to basically make the trek to your house one Saturday and turn up unannounced for a cuddle. You have had such a hard time with dogs I hope he can start to ease the heartache… Once the teething is done.