There’s nothing like having a child or a dog to make you realise just how quickly a year goes! In the blink of an eye, our little puppy Millie who wreaked havoc on our lives is now officially a teenager. As our dog turns one it’s time to reflect on her first year….
Although the first couple of months of having our little furball around were absolutely mental, once we got all into our stride things got a lot more enjoyable. She really has become part of the family. She has become my all-day companion, our daughter’s fur-sister, and well…Mr C’s wanna-be girlfriend/stalked so obsessed with him has she become!
The laughter and joy
As our dog turns one, never a day goes by when she doesn’t feel our house with laughter and joy although she can still be a cat-hating, table-jumping, mud-moshing stubborn little toe-rag at times!
It has been a lot to juggle at times as the poor dear suffers terribly from separation anxiety and we have been working hard on that! By which I mean infinitely minute baby steps. But hey, Tibetan Terriers are known for extreme separation anxiety so we (ok – at least I) knew what we signed up for. The other half….not so much.
A life-changing addition
Having a dog again has definitely changed our lives for the better. It has taught our daughter responsibility, compromise and patience in spades. It has made me lead a much more active life, getting me out for walks and sometimes runs twice daily. The mental and physical health benefits are huge trust me. It has led us to the park every day after school whereas once we have gone home to lead a more sedentary life.
It has also shown us a few other things – like some people really dislike or are fearful of dogs and really do not want them around! The extra moving part in our family has meant more juggling as we scrabble to find dog care (ha! makes childcare seem easy) for holidays or when we want to go and do something dog free or unfriendly. I will be honest and say that it does make life more complicated and I always say to people that having a dog looks a lot easier than it is…as actually, it is a lot of hard work!
Coming of age
Having got through her first season without too much drama (or blood), as our dog turns one this week I have a little knot in my tummy I’ll be taking her to the vet to have her spade. OK, I know an operation that they do over and over again every day but still…you don’t like to see your child going under general anesthetic, nor your dog.
So as our dog turns one here’s to our marvellous, militant, magical, maverick Millie! Keep being the crazy, bouncy, smile-inducing, soul-warming, life-enriching furball that you are. We are so happy to have you in our lives!
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You are so right about kids and pets making you notice the time. Our cat is almost 12 years old and my oldest son just turned 9! It’s hard to believe it’s been so long. Happy First Birthday to your fur baby!
Happy Birthdayyyy…She looks adorable and seems very very happy…I love her…
Aww. He is so cute! Happy birthday to him! I’m in love.
Aaahhhh what a cutie. I bet the first year flew by. I hope all went well with the op. I agree it’s not nice to see your kids or pets having to have any kind of operation.
Good for you raising your cute furry dog. I wish you all more fun with Millie!
How cute!!! Happy Birthday Millie! We celebrate our little pup’s birthday each year too. They’re a part of the family and it’s always so much fun!
Happy Birthday to your Furbaby! I also have pets at home and I can’t believe how fast they grow. They are like my own kids as well.
Millie is just beyond cute!! Happy 1st birthday to her. I find the first year of dog training can be the hardest, but you are doing so well
What a lovely doggo! Millie is so adorable. We are thinking of getting a dog, so it’s great to hear about your year one experience, because it is a big life change, as you said!