Two weeks ago we met the cutest, sweetest, most loving six month old puppy one could imagine. She and her twin sister have been competing for the attention of their owners and neither were getting what they required. Hubby and I travelled an hour and a half north and met these gorgeous girls. I fell immediately for the one that was to be rehomed.

She kissed me to death, snuggled into my arms, nested on my knees, slipped beside me and the corner of the chair,winning me over by the minute. This little Silky Maltese Terrier Cross with her grey black and white shaggy coat, has the impish look of the Ewoks in Star Wars – those gorgeous teddy bear like creatures that are absolute cuties! These creatures are adorable because they remind us of our own world’s favorite cuddly pets. They remind me of Annie.

Hubby and I just had to have her.

But Hubby, being sensible in all ways decided that as we are having an overseas holiday in a months time, it’s best not to unsettle little Annie, deciding we will bring her home upon our return.

That was to be in ten weeks time!

I understood the logic, but did not want to. But being a good wifey, I agreed. The family who were to re-home her agreed to keep Annie for the extra weeks. After paying the deposit we drove home, with heaps of photos of her to plaster all over my phones and ipad, and put on the fridge. I planned the purchases needed to make Annie’s life wonderful when she finally got to live with us.

Every few days her first family and I communicated. They sent photos of Annie after her desexing operation showing her being a good girl. Next we admired Annie enjoying the beach, until – yes , you know what happened next.

Hubby decided we could go and collect her and introduce Annie to our home, family and friends. If we are unable to find her a sitter for the four weeks overseas, her previous family will have her for the month. As both Maltese’s need their special times to be loved, and trained, so why delay bringing her home?

I am excited!

We drive northwards along the motorway with full payment safely tucked in my wallet. Upon arriving, Annie recognised us immediately. She loved us both to bits, snuggling, kissing, her woolly black and white tipped tail wagging at full speed.

Paperwork viewed, medical record made up to date, flea and tick protection swallowed, off we drove with Annie.

My smile is as huge as Annies’ Ewok shaped teeth grinning back at me, as we return home. Safely secured on her lead, on my knees, Annie eagerly turns her head towards the open window, enjoying the warm wind blowing her shaggy ears and wet nose. She repeatedly turns to look at me. Her huge black eyes gazing adoringly at me, smiling her unique smile. Unexpectedly she stretches tall on her rear legs and slaps sloppy kisses all over my face, before returning to the window.

Toys of course needed to be bought, and a doggie bed purchased at the neighbourhood pet shop. This bed is where I planned she would sleep.

We arrive home. The doggie door is unlocked in preparation of her running back and forth into the fenced courtyard garden where her ablutions were to occur.

Artificial grass positioned,

. kiddie door secured to prevent her making mistakes in the spare bedroom.

And, of course her special eating plates on a special mat is waiting ready.

I had everything organised, in my mind that is, being equally as sensible as my hubby.

I did not expect Hubby to be so enamoured by Annie as he was. So much so that he told me the following.

‘It’s unfair expecting the poor wee darling to sleep in the laundry all by herself. She will cry. Let her sleep on our bed exactly as our deceased cats have done over the past forty something years.’

‘Really? You might get broken nights,’ I replied.

‘Our bed is king sized and there is plenty of room for her. When we take her with us in the caravan she will be in the same room as us’ he said.

‘Really?,’ I said, hardly believing this. Of course, it had to be a practical decision. Hubby is always practical.

We are one week into our Annie and us experience, and loving every minute. Even the toilet mishaps are easily fixed, having tiles on the floor, cleaning is a breeze. Weight is falling off me as I jog along when the two of us race around the park. (I haven’t jogged in years . . . Honestly, this is the truth. Amazing what you do when you are motivated.)

The doggie door remains a no go area when the flap is down, according to Annie. But when taped open, she leaps through it without any effort.

And hubby? He is happy to be licked and kissed each morning when we wake, Annie’s wet tongue washing the sleep away. I don’t like her doing this to me, so she has learned to sneak me a closed lip kiss when I don’t expect it.

she has met the family, been walked by my grand sons,

We love our new puppy, and hate the thought of her returning to her previous home in three weeks time while we take the flights overseas. Alternatively Annie might stay with a friend if we manage to locate someone local who is willing to have a dose of love lavishly given them for a month.

Week one almost done, a life time of happy times are to follow.

Can’t wait to share our lives with Raggedy Annie.

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