Monday, 14 July 2014

Stealing the Limelight

Stealing the Limelight
Lolly, eight weeks old
All the four-footers have been confounded by the introduction of a tiny creature which has completely stolen the limelight. They are not quite sure just what it is – at least, they were not when Bethan brought it into the house last Saturday. The cats, Herschel in particular, went into predatory mode on first sight. Bethan and I had driven to Shropshire to Threevalleys Gundogs to collect her (first) puppy, a little black bundle of absolute cuteness.
Bethan with Lolly, nine weeks old
Yesterday Bethan came to visit and Lolly, for that is her name, now nine weeks old and a little larger and much more confident, travelled with her by bus, tube and train from Muswell Hill to Crowthorne. They spent the day with us. This time, the cats did not attempt to stalk Lolly although they are still markedly bigger than her.
Jellicoe, whiskers well forward, approaches with caution. Naturally, Isambard was nowhere to be seen!
The dogs, all seven of them, (Tia, Foxy and Buster are spending their summer holiday with us) had relaxed by the time Bethan and Lolly left. Today they are tired – all the stress of coping with an incomer has taken its toll.
A close encounter with Foxy
Lolly will be visiting again next weekend. It is important that the adult dogs become accustomed to her while she is still very small as they will often be spending time together. 
Frankie, nineteen months old
Frankie was delighted to see a tiny version of Jenna. For him all black Labradors are called Jenna but he is beginning to distinguish Gus and Tia. The fox red Labrador brothers Bertie and Buster are a puzzle to him for they still look very similar. Foxy is one on her own and on a strict diet, for she is greed personified. Frodo, of course, is very different and definitely not a Labrador.
Susannah with Frankie
Bethan with Lolly
There’s never a dull moment in the Cooke household!



22 comments:

  1. Lolly is darling. I do agree it is important for the big dogs to spend time with her when she is still small. This definitely worked well when Basil joined the family here with older Tulip and Violet. Whenever I see a new puppy I get the urge....again....and always. LOL. Have fun.

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    1. We were tempted to have one of her sisters but decided we have our hands full looking after Frankie and the dogs and cats. Young animals are so adorable, though.

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  2. What a little sweetheart.

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    1. She is indeed - so tempting to spoil her but she has to learn her place. Bethan is strict with her - she is definitely going to be a well-behaved dog.

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  3. I do love your new Lolly!! Such a sweetheart indeed! I do miss my Sam Schnauzer!!! He was not only an adorable puppy but a handsome little grown-up!! Thanks for sharing these happy pics!! Have a great week!!

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    1. Sir Sam Schnauzer was a lovely little gentleman. We never forget our faithful companions, do we?

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  4. She's gorgeous. I grew up with black labs, they're fantastic dogs. Great memories..

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    1. She is very sweet. I can't believe ours were ever that small!

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  5. Oh what a sweetheart! I love all dogs and cats but puppies?... I melt. Like children pets are only really sweet and cute when they have been taught good manners.

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  6. What a cutie ! Your house becomes a dog hotel, lol !

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    1. It's fun but I couldn't do it for a living!!

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  7. Lolly is adorable! I bet there's lots of fun at your house with all those animals!

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  8. Lolly sure is a cute one. Frankie is pretty cute himself! Must be fun around your house with the young ones visiting.

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    1. Having young life around, of whatever species, is essential to keep the older members active and engaged;-)

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  9. Lolly is such a cutie pie, and Frankie too of course.

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    1. Thank you - I think so, too, but then I am biased!

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  10. Hi Janice .. just lovely to see - puppies are a delight - and she travelled well - bus, tube and train - she'll be able to show me round! Sounds like you're going to have fun with her too ... and all the menagerie ... are there humans around - oh yes I saw Frankie and some ladies! And you and hubby tucked away ... what a fun household ..

    Lovely fun post to read .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Yes, she's gone from the very remote wilds of Shropshire to busy, busy London and taken it all in her stride. The humans are somewhat outnumbered, it's true!

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