Big park, little puppy

Emma had her first taste of the park today. Naturally, she’s far too young to manage a walk much further than ten feet but, in between being carried by either Mirinda or me, she suddenly discovered the real world.

Back on the Isle of Sheppey, her entire world was a kitchen and a small courtyard. We’re pretty certain she’d never seen grass before. Actually, she was quite astounded by the grass in the back garden. It didn’t take her long to realise that it’s there for going to the toilet on. Mind you, she thinks everything is there to go to the toilet on. The tiles are very good for this.

When it comes to bodily evacuations, she really goes mad at about 5:30 in the morning. I know this because she woke us up just before 5:30 this morning and, as soon as I put her outside, she seemed to lose most of her body weight in poo. Even so, she managed to lose a bit more inside when I’d mistakenly assumed she’d finished.

It’s all right for her, getting up at 5:30 because she has the amazing capacity to fall asleep, almost instantly following any burst of energy. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way with me. I don’t remember much about Carmen and Day-z and their early mornings (knowing them as I do, I’d venture to suggest they slept in most of the time).

Emma seems to already know her name and she comes when you tap your hands against your legs. When she wants some attention she just squeaks. It works surprisingly well. Particularly when she wants to get onto the lounge.

As far as bonding is concerned, Mirinda is pleased to admit they have made an instant connection. They were inseparable all day. Mirinda went back to the flat at about 5 (there being no shower here and with the builders turning up early, we thought it the most comfortable plan) and I think Emma was a bit confused. Still, she fell asleep on me quite easily.

But back to the park…

Day-z, of course, can walk herself and she trotted along confidently (I think she was showing off her independence to the new arrival). Well, that was until we came across a huge gang of dogs and their owners. They all ignored little Emma, cuddled safely in Mirinda’s hand, but they annoyed Day-z. Given the park actually belongs to Day-z, other dogs always annoy her.

A couple of times, we let Emma run around in the Avenue of Trees.

Little Miss Confident

She tired very quickly (as you’d expect) but the big world outside the house was full of adventures to come.

Of course, she elicited numerous coo-ing and ahh-ing from passers-by – everyone loves a puppy. Particularly one that looks like an Ewok.

Back at home, the bonding with Day-z continued. At one stage Day-z snapped at Emma but otherwise she’s been very tolerant although she refuses to play. Now she knows what it feels like. There were plenty of times that she wanted to play with Carmen who would tease her into believing she would and then just stop. Pity dogs don’t remember that sort of stuff.

By the end of the night, the two of them were getting on quite well. That may be a bit of an exaggeration when it comes to Day-z’s opinion as she just seemed to tolerate Emma. Fortunately, Emma’s survival instinct is unimpaired as she knows when to give Day-z a wide berth.

Emma loves to cuddle up as close to your face as possible so, as I lay in bed waiting for Mirinda to call, she fell fast asleep on my shoulder, her little face buried in my neck.