Today marks ten years since we first brought Archie home. I can’t believe that a whole decade has passed – the time has gone so quickly.
If you’ve read one of the Archie books, you’ll know that I struggled in the early days of becoming a new puppy parent. Major anxiety was triggered. Archie was (and is) absolutely gorgeous, but I hadn’t been prepared for how much chaos one little pup could cause.
Back then, I don’t think there was much information around about the so called ‘post puppy blues’. You could research a lot about the practicalities of getting a puppy, which I did, but I didn’t read anything to prepare me for the emotional impact.
Nowadays a lot more people (particularly women) are sharing their stories about how stressful they found getting a puppy. This helps so much as you realise your feelings are normal: you’re not alone.
In my case, my husband was very supportive and there were, of course, lots of lovely times with Archie. It was a case of taking it a day at a time. My anxiety lessened gradually, until I could finally enjoy Archie.
And by this point dirty bottoms, mess on the carpet, chewing, biting, constantly having to keep an eye on my puppy, and standing outside in sub zero temperatures didn’t phase me as much.
Archie was very patient with me. He was learning about life, just as I was learning about life with a puppy.
I look back on that time now and wish I could go back and not be so anxious. Time with our dogs is so precious, as sadly, their lives are a lot shorter than their humans.
I’m all too aware that Archie is not going to be with us forever, but I try not to dwell on this. Hopefully we’ll have Archie with us for many more years to come and I intend to make the most of every moment.
In the first book I wrote about how a trainer once called Archie a ‘delight’. She was right, he was and is a delight. He is such a character. He is full of fun and very bossy! He lets us know when it’s tea time and bed time. For a small dog he has a big presence.
Recently, when we were on our way to pick Archie up from our dog sitter, I said to my husband, ‘We’re going to pick the boss up now.’ He laughed, but it’s true!
Right now, as I type this, Archie is beside me grumbling. That means it’s his tea time, so I must go, because the grumbling is only going to increase. It’s all about Archie!
Archie, you’re the best dog in the world and I’m so glad you came into my life. Happy ten years, Prince Archie, and here’s to plenty more adventures. Love you xxxxxxxxxx
