Animal Lover Badge (PHD)

Firstly, thanks to Christine for the PHD (Project Half Done) description, which makes me feel clever rather than a non-finisher.

I had always planned to get a dog when I retired but Polly has moved into my life a few months earlier than anticipated, following the death of my lovely mum. Mum and Polly enjoyed almost three years together - they were totally inseperable and spent a lot of time cosied up in an armchair, with mum feeding Polly her meals and pretending to have eaten them herself. While mum lost weight, Polly became quite a tubby chihuahua and that wasn't good news. Chis have lots of problems with knees and hips and carrying extra weight isn't helpful.

Six weeks on, Polly and I are adjusting to life without our mum. She is really settled and playful and gives me untold joy. I'm really pleased to say that she has lost the excess weight already (wish I could say the same for myself!) and is moving much easier.

I'm very lucky to have a very kind, generous best friend - you may have seen Julie in previous posts - who has a teenage dog-whisperer, so we are able to get away for short breaks knowing she is in good hands.

She's off to the groomer for the first time this week. She hates being bathed so I figure I'll pay someone else to take the pain of the sad eyes she'll doubtless produce for the occasion.

For now, enjoy a photo of my ungroomed Polly and lovely mum cosied up together.