What really matters

   Lucky is our second Ridgeback.  We had the adored Truman form the age of 7 weeks, and said goodbye last year. He was 11 1/2. It was hard to lose him, as any dog lover will know.

   Truman was a very handsome boy, as you can see.

   When we first went to meet Lucky, I was very interested in how he would look. I was particularly curious to see if he had a perfect ridge, as our old boy did. But the minute we met Lucky, all I could see was his beautiful spirit, his friendliness and open heart, and we both loved him straight away. A friend asked the next day what his ridge was like, and I actually hadn't noticed. On meeting him, it didn't matter.

   Now that he's been home for a couple of days, I'm starting to see just how closely he resembles Truman. And it's so obvious, that I can't believe I haven't seen it before. It's a testament to the uniquness of Lucky's personality. He looks just like our old boy, but he couldn't be more different. And that turns out to be a truly wonderful thing!

   We walked up Salisbury Crags in Holyrood Park this morning, and learned a new command- 'left'. Using this, we can keep him safely on our left, even if the flex is out all of the way. It on'y took Lucky about 15 minutes to learn this, clever boy that he is!

   He's got his first 'meet and greet' with his new vet today, and a lovely day of walks and play with Scot, while I'm at work.

A Lucky Summer

So today was our first full day with Lucky.  Yank spent the night on the sofa, by Lucky's bed and I believe the night was uneventful.  I woke up slightly later than usual at 6.45 and was very soon after having my toes licked!  We took the boy to his new spot for his comfort break, and then had breakfast before heading into Holyrood Park.  

We took the middle path through the valley for a wee bit, before turning for home so Yank could go to work.  Lucky and I chilled out for a bit and I began reading Think Dog by John Fisher, a super guide to canine psychology which is very interesting.  I then geared up, and took Lucky out on my own for a walk.  We discovered lots of new things together, like the sound of cars on cobbled roads, and groups of chattering tourists.  I took the boy up Calton Hill and we walked around twice, doing our obedience homework at the top.  By the time we were on our way home he was walking to heel beautifully!  Lucky had a snooze after that and I nearly did too!

When Yank finished work I bundled Lucky into the car and we went to pick him up and we headed down to Portobello Beach for an evening walk.  What a wonderful first day - I think we shall all sleep soundly tonight!

First Day

   We collected Lucky today.  It was a bittersweet moment, taking ownership of such a beautiful boy and at the same time removing him from all that he knows.  His original owners are quite simply the most lovely people and it was heartbreaking for them to have to find a new home for Lucky.  We feel that we can give him a good home, and a life of love and adventures.  After getting back into town we spent some time settling the boy into his new environment before Yank and I took him to meet a wonderful trainer called Heather who runs a dog obedience training club in Edinburgh called Posh Pets.  She put us all through our paces, and I believe that I showed good progress over the 2 hours!  Well I'm very pleased, and long may my progress continue!

   We love this boy so much already, and feel as if we know him quite well, but the wonderful thing is knowing how much these feelings will grow.  So much to look forward to!

 

First Walk

Today we bundled Lucky into the back of our car and headed east to Lindisfarne for a coast day.  We had a great run around with him and then walked into the village where we had a tasty pub lunch in the Crown and Anchor, which is dog friendly.  A great first walk, looking forward to many more!