Seeing as this is my first proper job blog post, and I’m actually very nervous about it, I thought I would talk about something that I find easy to talk about and that’s our dogs. Dogs are a big inspiration to some of my illustrations.
We currently have 13 dogs….
I’ve been brought up with lots of dogs. My mum is a respected dog breeder and at one point had a boarding kennels so I spent a lot of my youth looking after numerous dogs in a remote location with no transport. (No, I didn’t enjoy it much!). So, it’s the norm for me to be surrounded by lots of dogs.
Guy (my boyfriend) has adapted quite well and he is now worse than me, he is good cop and I am bad cop. I think if there was a pyramid of priorities in our house the dogs would be at the top.
When Guy and I met he had 1 dog and I had 2, we then thought we would get a dog together and it just spiralled from there. If we had wanted children it would be like the Waltons.
They restrict our life, we can’t go out together unless all the dogs come with us. We have only ever had one holiday, 3 nights in Dartmoor back in 2007 when we only had 3 dogs.
To exercise them we hire a field off the fantastic Woofing Wild. Our dogs aren't socialised, their recall is rubbish and they are bunch of heathens when excited. I might share a video of the car journey there one day....
Our house and car are a right state thanks to the dogs and our desire to not spend our time constantly cleaning. Our vet bills can be massive and the amount we spend on food, beds and squeaky toys (that last a few minutes) is bonkers.
BUT the love you receive from dogs is unconditional and they bring us immense joy as well as the occasional heartache. Oh and no one made us have so many dogs!!
Dogs don’t care if you’re fat, they don’t judge you, they just love. They don’t think you’re a failure, they don’t do things to hurt you intentionally or hold grudges. They do utterly stupid things and don’t care if you laugh at them. They are always pleased to see you, know when you need a cuddle and help calm you when your anxiety is high.
There are dog owners and there are dog lovers and we are most certainly the latter.
So, here they are…in no particular order……
I just love seeing everyone's dogs so please feel free to post your pics and stories.
My favourite dog links:
Hootchie Mama - bandanas
Dicky Bags - so much nicer than swinging a bag on a walk
So that's probably waaaaay too long for a blog post but it's a starting point.
Really enjoyed your first blog,reading all about your doggies and seeing the characters who inspired your illustrations.
Do you know….I think that’s the first blog I’ve ever read from start to finish, brilliant. A peek into the world of you and inflatable collars!
Great stuff, I’ve often wondered about your dogs, they are an obvious inspiration to you….oh and I once owned a Terry! The most loveable control freak ever…
I loved reading this. It sounds as if you have a wonderful life with all your furbabies. We have two, a German shepherd/sprocker mix called Harry, and Millie a chorkie. Looking forward to your next bog, and I will definitely visit your shop next time I’m in Cornwall.
What a delightful introduction to your fur family! Thanks for sharing their stories.