Happy 1st Birthday Poppy

Last Updated on 2 February 2021 by Colette

Happy 1st birthday to our lockdown silver lining and saviour!

This time last year, we weren’t even thinking about getting a puppy. Well, we were, but we both knew that it wasn’t really a very realistic plan . . . Then Tilly came to stay at half term and we changed our minds. We agreed that we’d look to get a new dog in September once all our adventures for the year were done and dusted and we could settle into looking after a new family member.

Of course 2020 had other plans and our adventures were soon cancelled.

Poppy arrived in our lives right at the very start of lockdown – she was waiting for us, it was fate. She provided us with the best possible distraction from lockdown life, giving us a focus and bringing us more joy than we could have imagined.

Being at home so much in the early months meant we could really focus on spending lots of time on her training – we quickly taught her to sit, to lie down, to give a paw and even to high five (which remains one of my favourite tricks!).

Initially her recall was spot on but, as is fairly common, she did go through a phase at around 6-8 months where we didn’t dare let her off the lead for fear we wouldn’t be able to get her back! She’s settled now and her recall is better, though not perfect – she will often come back to near but then won’t sit down in front of you if she thinks you’re going to put her lead on. This is still something we need to work on. The other thing we struggle with is that she does pull a lot when we’re walking – she’s such a pack animal so if the kids are rushing on ahead of us, she wants to be there with them, not hanging back and walking to heel with a loose lead! Her Gentle Leader makes a big difference and both Dave and I find she walks much better when we’re out on our own with her – but again, it’s just something to work on!

She’s never happier than when she’s off lead and chasing around woodland – she has caused me to have a few “heart in mouth” moments as she’s gone dashing up a steep slope. We often joke she’s part mountain goat!

She loves chasing her ball in the park (though not always giving it back!), she’s a big fan of liver (which has been the best training tool) and loves a wonky chomp. We’ve recently discovered she is a big fan of apples and clementines too – when the kids are eating a clementine, she will sit in front of them imploring them to share.

She’s the biggest kleptomaniac going – if you leave something on the floor she’ll have it. In fact she’ll also take things you’ve left on the sofa, the bottom of the clothes airer or anywhere else she can reach! Hairbands, socks, pens, cuddly toys – you name it, she will take it! Luckily she’s pretty good at dropping them too when you tell her to but it’s a miracle we haven’t had her to the vets for swallowing something yet! We seem to spend half our lives with our fingers in her mouth, wondering what she’s stolen now!

We were really worried that we’d struggle to socialise her with her coming into our home at the start of a global pandemic and national lockdown – but luckily she’s been absolutely fine. She doesn’t even really care when people come in the house – this has of course been rare and mostly limited to my hairdresser and our plumber – but she doesn’t seem to be bothered. That said, she isn’t bothered when we come in the house either – we don’t get the massive over excited bum waggling, accidental wee greeting that we used to get from Thomas, in fact she doesn’t even bother getting out of bed when I get up for work in the morning!

She isn’t massively affectionate – she will come and sit on my foot when I’m on the sofa, but then if I sit and stroke her she decides it’s play time and will bring me all her toys to throw or try to mouth my hand so that I’ll play instead! She used to lie on Dave of an evening but she’s a bit big for that now – and he doesn’t sit on the floor for her! When she was tiny she used to curl up under my desk which I loved – but she doesn’t fit any more. She loves her crate and will quite happily take herself off for a snooze during the day or even on a night when we’re sat watching TV. (To be honest, her big fluffy cushion is so appealing that I think I’d do the same!)

Considering how little they’ve been able to see each other, Poppy and Tilly seem to have settled well into each other’s company which is a relief as it means Mum is able to look after Poppy for us if we’re ever away and also just makes life easier when we want to go and stay! Tilly is definitely in charge and likes to make sure she takes whatever Poppy is playing with, but then she’s quite happy to let Poppy lie down on her favourite cushion – they haven’t quite reached the point of curling up for a snooze together yet but they’re definitely friends!

She’s definitely the filthiest puppy we’ve ever had. Thomas hated getting wet or dirty and would actively avoid puddles whereas Poppy will run head long into a puddle, face down for a drink! We only washed Thomas occasionally in the summer, whereas Pops needs a fairly regular hose down – Dave is going to fit her a warm tap outside as jugs from the kitchen sink are a right faff!

Despite the many restrictions of the past year, we managed to take her on numerous beach trips, camping and for plenty of lovely walks in Manchester. She’s had a few trips to the pub too though we are definitely looking forward to finding more dog friendly pubs and cafes in the coming months when life opens up a little more!

We are so grateful to have our Pop-Dids in our lives – she was by far the best thing to come out of last year and, whilst I’m still gutted we didn’t get to go to New York – I wouldn’t swap our consolation birthday present for anything!!

Happy birthday Poppy, I’m sorry we didn’t bake you a doggy birthday cake and that Dave wouldn’t let me buy you a balloon! We’ll take you for an extra long walk at the weekend, promise.