Puppy Love

During the week we received an email from Coco’s breeders.  At 6 weeks of age she had received her vaccinations, was weaned onto puppy palony and they wondered if we wanted to “take possession” of her 2 weeks earlier than expected.  Well, of course we did – what a silly question!

We’d already bought a heap of puppy goodies in preparation for the impending arrival, the only thing we were missing was a bed for Coco to sleep in.  We were going to pick our baby up from Australind (where the breeder’s parents lived), so we dropped into Better Pets and Gardens and bought a bed on the way.

We picked her up at 11.30am on Saturday 2 February and it was love at first sight.  She sat on my lap most of the way to our first stop (about 45 minutes away).  We stopped at a “potential” camping ground - a good excuse for a puppy wee stop too.  The campsite was near the water with a sandy foreshore.  As soon as we let her out onto the ground she starting digging in the sand furiously – just like a real dog!  We were so proud.  It was actually quite funny.  She then had a drink and managed to stand in her collapsible water container.  Sand and water don’t mix with little puppies and she was filthy!

The rest of the trip home was uneventful with Coco sleeping under my feet, with the air-conditioning blowing full blast on her.  We got home, she investigated, we played some games and she fell asleep. We repeated the cycle a few times (with some photos interspersed) and then it was off to bed.  Despite Tim’s attempts at convincing me that she would be best to sleep in the bathroom, I insisted that her first night with us she should sleep by the side of our bed.  Well, almost every hour on the hour we were woken by one thing or another. Normally a little whimpering, or otherwise it was the pulling of her nails on the carpet. 

About 6.30am Coco and I played with her monkey (her favourite toy at the moment) – me from the bed and her lying in her bed.  After about half an hour my arm was sore and I figured it was time for Tim to wake up. Given we were washing the sheets, I put her into our bed and she loved it.  We played with a few of her toys and then she tucked herself into the top of my pillow and promptly slept for another 2 hours.  Gotten sod – keeping us awake all night and then when we were ready to play she fell asleep on us!

Sunday morning we met friends at a local cafe where they allow dogs to sit with you outside. Coco had a great time and made heaps of friends – small children, women and old men.  What an interesting group of people who love a small fluffy white dog!

We then went home for some house-cleaning and an introduction to the Dyson.  Coco wasn’t a big fan, but she wasn’t too bad either. Then it was time for a nap before Harrison and his parents came to visit.  Harry is 3 years old and thought Coco was great.  They played chasey and tug and had a ball.  After a couple of hours of fun, she was completely pooped.  I’m writing this now as she is sleeping soundly in her bed (something she didn’t like yesterday but seems to love today).  About 30% of toilet visits have been on paper so far, which I guess isn’t too bad considering she’s only 6 weeks old.

As you will see, we’re taken heaps of photos of our new addition.  We are both absolutely besotted, although Tim is trying to appear indifferent.  I’ve seen him sneaking cuddles and patting her while I’m not watching!

I am not sure how I will cope tomorrow when I have to go to work and be separated from Coco. I can’t believe how much I love her!  Tim will be spending the day working from home (lucky sod) with an hour or two on her own. Then progressively during the week he will work from home for part of the day.  Anyway, more updates as our baby grows!