Woof!

Ever since Ryan and I got married, we always wanted a dog. I have always had dogs growing up, so our newly-wed house didn't feel like a home without a smelly, hairy companion to greet us at the door and lie at our feet by the fire . We all have pets we will never forget. I have a few in doggy heaven. Pets, especially dogs, are faithful to the end. To them, you are the best thing in the world, nuff said. We decided to get a dog for my birthday back in 2009 when we were still living in our first flat; not the most doggy-friendly home. We called her Charlie, and she was an alsation cross. She loved us and we loved her, but for the love of God we could not get her to wee and poo outside. Our next-door neighbour (she who shall not be named) started to complain about her barking occasionally so we had to send her back to the dog home. Very sad day :(. I had to send Ryan to take her back because I could not face saying goodbye. I still think if we had given Charlie longer, she could have settled in.

Anyhoo, a year later we bought our first house and even before the contracts were exchanged, we were on the A1 to Doncaster to look at a puppy. When we got there, there were only boy puppies left. We fell in love with Ben straight away. He was right at the back of the pen, pushed aside by his brothers and sisters who were all nibbling our fingers and barking. Ben however, couldn't stop licking us. I don't know why me and Ryan are attracted to runts, but we had to have him. He is still a licker now. And loves licking Ryan's feet :) We love him even more because he is a Yorkshire lad. That's all of us born in the shire of York, except me! I will be SO gutted if we have any more kids born in Birmingham before we move back to the promised land.

So, we have had Ben for 3 years now. He is our hairy, smelly, firstborn. He has been through life's up's and down's with us, and hopefully will live through many more.

Like I said...runt of the litter.

An Ode to Duckies (by Ben)

I love you, Duckies

Me and you are best friends

Even if I eat you,

We can always make amends.