Poppy and Lottie had just settled into their new abode when Santa found them, ensuring the year ended on a high note. Then, 2020 happened! I won’t dwell on it too much—everyone has their own tales from that year, right?
Poppy and Lottie continued their daily jaunt with Jason to his workplace, as he was a key worker. But something peculiar was afoot; it was as if they sensed the oddness in the air, and most days, they adhered to the ‘stay at home’ rule. We were fortunate to enjoy some of the best weather, so we spent much of our time lounging in the garden. I laid a towel on the grass and settled down with a book. After a while, I went inside, only to return and find Poppy had claimed my spot—almost! She hadn’t quite mastered the art of sunbathing. Lottie, on the other hand, was perfectly content with a damp towel perched on her head! With Jason still working, our morning routine remained unchanged: breakfast for everyone. One day, something caught Jason’s eye. Toast in hand, he got up to investigate, trailed by two Labradors—not following him, mind you, but the toast!
I was lucky enough to set up a small gym at home, which gradually expanded. Occasionally, Poppy would wander in, have a good sniff around, and decide it wasn’t her scene!
Since the girls couldn’t visit their usual spa for a bath, we opted for a DIY version at home. They were both remarkably well-behaved and looked utterly relaxed. Lottie needed a bath more than Poppy, having discovered her favourite scent: fox!
As things began to reopen, a nearby spot became a social hub for dogs and their owners to meet outdoors. It featured a lake with gently sloping sides, perfect for easy access—Lottie included—and a small slide for added fun. It was an ideal place for dogs to try swimming for the first time, as it wasn’t too deep. Lottie was in her element! One day, another dog was hesitantly trying to retrieve a ball from the lake but wasn’t brave enough to swim a bit further out, opting to keep its paws on solid ground. Along came Lottie, who leapt straight in and retrieved it! The laughter from the dog owners was infectious! Outdoor swims became a regular outing for both girls.
An important day arrived this year: Poppy turned 10! Like many, she had to celebrate at home. We found a lovely lady who made dog cakes and biscuits, and we even had a balloon for her. We celebrated all day, finishing with a BBQ and a sausage each for the girls.Despite the oddness of the year, we managed to create some cherished memories together.
Leave a comment