And Doggy Makes Three!

Some of you may remember that I adopted a lovely cocker spaniel called Winnie (Poopini) in 2004. I had her for two years, then when the Martian and I split up, he agreed to keep Winnie because I didn't have the finances to take care of her.

A week before the wedding which he knew about, the Martian texted me to say that Winnie was part of his 'old life' and now that he had a 'new life' (translation = new girlfriend), he didn't want her anymore! He asked if I would take her back or alternatively, find another family to adopt her. I was very angry at the time and knew that he had timed it deliberately to cause me maximum stress, but I refused to give him the satisfaction.

I kept my cool and told him that while I would love to have her back, that I would be moving to Brrringland in a few months time. I told him that with the wedding, move, visa fees, new apartment, etc, that I just didn't have the money to take her with me. To my surprise, he offered to pay for her to flight to join me. I think a lot of it was guilt. Why else would he drop $3,000 for a dog he didn't want anymore? Regardless of the reason, I was/am happy that he did so.

When he knew that I would be taking Winnie back, the Martian left her full time with the dog sitter. He arranged for her to spend her quarantine on our Small Island and as everything went smoothly, she arrived in Brrrringland this week!

She was very happy to see me but her health has been a concern. I wouldn't say that she has been neglected in the last two years, but she certainly hasn't had the same level of care that I used to give her.

Her little paws are soft from lack of walking on tarmac, so they are a little raw and even bled a bit yesterday. She has also been trembling a lot (I'm guessing from stress and cold), so P went out and got her a couple of fleece blankets, which we wrap her up with. We took her to the vet last night for a check up and to get some cream for her paws. I think (hope!) she will settle down soon.

She loves chasing her balls in the parks here but we have to take it easy for the moment as she's not as fit as she used to be. However, she's as cute as ever, as these photos will show:

Wrapped up in my blankie, woof!

She is a real daddy's girl, following P around like a little shadow! She simply adores him. P has also been amazing with her. I will post more photos once she gets fitter and we can bring her to new places.