A and I had been talking about getting another dog to keep George company for a while now, but concerns about money (hello ,dog walking fees!) and what would happen when we went on holiday had held us back.
Then one day I come home from work and A asks me if I'd consider looking after one of his friend's dog for a while. She needed a place to stay whilst her owner found a suitable home in London.
"Sure!" I said, thinking it would be a great opportunity to see what life with two dogs would be like.
Enter Pippin. An 11 month old bouncy Jack Russell with the sweetest eyes and the softest fur. I was instantly in love with her when she ran into the house.
The first few days were rough - George was so incredibly territorial, Pip could not even get near her without George growling or attacking her. Not to mention Pip getting near me when George was close by. I worried that they would never get along and was a bit sad at the fact that George refused to play with her. After seeing what she is like when my brother's dog comes over, I thought that they would be playing all day every day.
Then there were the nights. I thought that Pip's arrival would be a perfect opportunity to finally get George used to sleeping downstairs instead of in our bedroom, as they would keep each other company. But I could not resist Pip's cries in the middle of the night and after a couple of nights spent sharing a sofa with two dogs, we decided to bring them upstairs and let them sleep on the floor in our bedroom...and join us in bed for a cuddle in the morning.
As the days went on, the growls became less frequent, and there were even some signs of companionship, like morning ear cleaning...
....and even full blown doggie kisses!
I think walking them together on a single lead has helped them bond, as they are forced to walk side by side and wait for one another during toilet breaks!
What can I say? It's been just over 2 weeks and I am LOVING having two dogs. I love both of their distinct personalities, the way Pip inhales her food like it's a matter of life or death in order to get to George's bowl in time to finish her dinner, snoozing on the sofa whilst spooning George and having Pip curled up at my feet, the funny dialogues A makes up for each dog with different doggie voices, and the doubled fan club reception we get when we walk through the door.
I am a little bit in love with this little dog.
