Fanny-Fizzy-pop-Fanta-Fudge

During the week, Mirinda told Sophie about our new puppy. When she told her we intended to call her Fanny, Sophie was horrified*. I’d just like to list a few famous women called Fanny:

Fanny Brice – comedian
Fanny Craddock – chef
Fanny Wright – civil rights activist
Fanny Chmelar – German skier
Fanny Adams – sweet murder victim from Alton
Fanny Allan – first woman from New England to become a nun
Fanny Price – Jane Austen heroine from Mansfield Park
Aunt Fanny – from Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five

While I rebel against such puerile nonsense, Mirinda thought it wise to choose another name for her. So, after a week of throwing ‘F’ words around, willy-nilly we have decided on Fanta. Actually, her full name is to be Fizzy-pop Fanta, Fanta for short. Fanny for even shorter.

Today we went and picked her up and, coincidentally, it was a year ago today we went and brought Emma home for the first time. I have to say that the drive to Horsham was much nicer than the one to the Isle of Sheppy. Mind you, that could have been because we were in Max rather than Sidney who wasn’t any fun.

Before we headed over, Mirinda had a lovely Skype with Bob, hearing all about his American trip. It was briefly interrupted by a peregrine falcon which decided to fly into the extension. It flapped about a bit but, proving that falcons are clearly MUCH smarter than pigeons, flew back out again.

Birds and Bobs, aside, and back on the outskirts of Horsham, we had a lovely chat with Michelle (Cockerpoo Breeder) and her daughter in their Hobbit house. They lived in Queensland for a time (Cairns) and she’d loved to go back permanently. Eventually, we bundled up our little new addition and headed back home.

As usual we were greeted by Day-z and Emma as if we’d been away for a year but they were suddenly brought up short when they realised there was more than a black carry case in my hand. They sniffed and eyed suspiciously the little champagne fluff ball that emerged. There ensued a short period of greetings exchange before we took them all up to the park.

Fanta was carried for most of the walk but when she was put on the ground she bounced about and had a great time. We figured it was the first time she’s ever experienced the wide world and she was ready to explore it all. Emma, of course, chased sticks and a tennis ball she found and Day-z just walked sedately behind us like the aged and wise old lady she is.

Fanta tried to play with Emma every chance she got…not always successfully. I don’t think Emma is 100% certain that Fanta is real yet.

A few people commented on Our Girls as we promenaded along the Avenue of Trees.

Back home, we all settled in for the night though Emma seems to have her nose slightly out of joint. Rather than sit with us in front of the TV, she went and sat on one of the top steps. That’ll wear off soon enough. I mean she was in the same position as Fanta only a year ago.

* It would seem that it’s okay to call your son Dick or Willy but not your dog, Fanny…