Henny comes to stay

People who know us, and followers of our blog, know that we recently lost our beloved dog Golly. He will never be replaced in our hearts. However our other dog Poppy has been very lonely without him. A couple of weeks ago we heard from the brilliant United Gordon Setter Rescue, that they would shortly have a bitch aged four in need of rehoming, and would we be interested in giving her a home. In consultation with Poppy, we decided that yes, we would, and on Sunday we set off to Coventry to pick her up. Another long drive for Jeff, who drove to the Enid Blyton Society day yesterday, near Reading. Sure enough Henny (Henrietta) was waiting, as the three of us arrived to collect her. Poppy had a run around a lovely field at our collection point, and then the 2 of them were introduced. They didn't shower each other with kisses, but did have a sniff of interest, and then both got in the back of the car for the long journey home. I sat on the back seat so I could talk to them on the journey. With a couple of short stops the journey home took over 3 hours, and so we were all relieved to get out in what was to be Henny's new home. She investigated with interest, showing no sign of nerves, then launched into a full scale exploration of the garden (and she hoped escape routes - not knowing Poppy had examined these some time ago, and hopefully we have blocked them all off), and then excitedly a full investigation of the house - both appeared to get her seal of approval. Fortunately there was no sign of antagonism between the 2 dogs, and we are hopeful for a good future. Henny seems quite dominant, but Poppy doesn't appear to mind this, as she gleefully rolls on her back. Unlike Poppy, Henny seems to single mindedly be on the scrounge for food at all times, so we will need to hide all food out of her way.

Unsurprisingly, we got hardly any sleep last night, as Henny decided to bark & howl for almost the whole night. She didn't seem unduly upset or stressed, just wanting our attention. However she was in a new strange place, with people and a dog she doesn't know, so its not surprising she didn't sleep. As with all rescue dogs she comes with some issues, but we will wait and see how she settles in and develops. For now, we seem to have got ourselves a lovely dog (well bitch) companion for Poppy, and only time will show how things pan out. When she is well settled in, we hope to rescue a boy Gordon Setter to balance things up a bit! Much as Jeff may like living in a house of women, I think some male company would be good.