Well here we are year on and it feels like I’ve always had Poppy.

Even my friends who I tell are shocked it doesn’t feel like a year it just feels like she’s always been with us.

Here’s a few things I’ve learned along the way so far…

Don’t assume (well except one thing)

I have been so lucky with Poppy she’s been the most gentle kind sole and a dream to look after.

But that’s not without it’s drawback. When she first came she was so chilled I was stunned how how easily she settled in. As the months went by though I noticed so many signs of her getting more and more comfortable which made me wonder was she that chilled or just not showing it. Looking back I may have paid more attention to that.

So don’t assume anything except for the fact there will be an adjustment period.

Learn learn learn

I haven’t been a dog owner for most of my adult life. I had dogs as a kid but technically that means my parents were the dog owners. So for all intents and purposes I’m a newby.

So I’ve spent loads of time learning tips and tricks. YouTube has been a fantastic resource because it’s a place where you can find people who push information, not just specific information I was looking for. So often I’d learn things I didn’t even know I didn’t know.

Poppy being a Springer I also joined a Facebook group dedicated to Springers. Some users can get a little prickly so you have to overlook that but on the whole it’s been an invaluable resource with the vast majority of people on there being lovely and helpful.

It’s also great to see other peoples dogs in all their glory. New arrivals or just people sharing images of their dogs.

But the most helpful is often people ask questions which you may not have thought of and that’s great to follow them and look at the answers from more experienced owners.

These dogs are smart and they know how to wrap you around their finger (well they have me anyway) so it’s good to learn all you can.

Ask for help

Further to the learn learn learn point if you’re like me and not very good at asking for help then I’d say you have to get over that.

I’m in an incredibly fortunate position of being surrounded by some amazing friends who also all have dogs so advice was easy to come by.

But it can be a little daunting taking on any animal let alone an older one so don’t ever hesitate to ask for help.

Enjoy the moments…

Last of all, be mindful of the time you have together. Enjoy it. Poppy & Issy have bought so much joy to my life sometimes I just stop and look at them and just consider how lucky I am.