Return to Sheppey

Sandi, the dog breeder from whom we bought Emma, was very sad to see her little Dora leave today. In honour of Sandi and her woe, we have decided that Emma’s full name will be Emmadora. Sandi called her Dora because she was so adorable – Dora the Adorable.

The trip to Sheppey was much easier this time. We didn’t make any wrong turns and the traffic was easy and flowing. Day-z, once she realised it was going to be a long drive, curled up on the back seat (next to Emma’s carry case) and went to sleep. She was in for a bit of a surprise.

When we arrived, Mirinda went in to pay for and collect Emma while I wandered up and down the street with Day-z. She was a bit concerned that Mirinda had vanished into a strange house but I reassured her that all was well. When Mirinda came out, holding the golden little bundle of love that is Emma, Day-z turned her nose up and refused to look at either of them.

I think she saw this intrusion as a betrayal. She’s pretty selfish. I tried to explain that the addition of Emma will, eventually, give me more freedom. Day-z wasn’t the least bit interested. She just sulked.

We popped into Pets At Home (it’s just round the road from us) and bought some special puppy food, a couple of chewy things and a treat for Day-z. Mirinda was holding Emma while Day-z was on her lead. Day-z once more loved being in the shop. So much excitement; so many interesting smells. I think she actually forgot about Emma for a bit.

Heading back to the car, Mirinda was intercepted by a woman and her son. The sight of Emma had stopped them in their tracks. They just had to have a pat and a fuss.

They’d recently lost a dog (called Daisy) and, I think, the vision of Emma may just have convinced them to buy another one.

Finally at home, we gave Emma the tour while Day-z just eyed her with suspicion, wondering where she could bury her, given half the chance.

We spent a bit of time on the unfinished terrace, taking copious photos. Emma is ridiculously photogenic but doesn’t quite understand the need to stay in one place for the camera. She’ll learn quick enough.

And so the day passed with Emma’s sudden bursts of energy punctuated with long, sleepy moments of recovery.

Thinking it would make her feel better, I gave Day-z her treat. She put it down on the tiles and laid herself at striking distance from it, just waiting for Emma to try and get it. She lay with her back to Emma, turning her head every now and then to see where the pesky new puppy was cavorting.

C’mon! I dare ya!

Fortunately, Emma didn’t come over and try for the treat so Day-z’s fiendish little plan failed, miserably. Eventually she took the treat outside and spent a good half an hour eating it.

The other great historical moment on this Emma Day was my inaugural use of one of my new ovens. I made my avocado crusted salmon. Given I didn’t have a hob, I had to use the microwave for the rice, peas and spinach. It will take a bit of practice but I reckon I’ll get used to it. Though, in saying that, I don’t think I’ll bother making rice in it again. The peas, though, complete with knob of butter, were very nice. And the spinach didn’t collapse as much as it normally does when I steam it.

And, for the first time in my life, I have a cooker that I don’t have to bend down to use. What a revelation! I’m seriously going to love cooking in my new kitchen.

The rest of the night was spent watching a very silly Adam Sandler movie (with a brilliant cameo performance by Al Pacino and appearance by Johnny Depp) and cuddling Emma.

Day-z discovers that Emma is a dog

Our new addition is going to fit in just fine.