Lottie - the first chapter

Those of you who knew Lola, our adorable mini Schnauzer, may be surprised to see a blog about a puppy, as Lola was a puppy 17 years ago, when we were living in Singapore. Sadly, just a few weeks ago, she left us - at the amazing age of 17 years and 4 months.  We always said that we would never get another dog, because Lola was irreplaceable, but we completely underestimated the dog-shaped hole that would be left in our lives after she died.  I guess that's why people say 'never say never' and why we found ourselves driving to Norfolk at the beginning of this month to visit the 4 month old puppy who would become Lottie.  As I write this, she is sleeping peacefully in her bed in the kitchen - puppies do a lot of sleeping - as well as a lot of jumping, running around, getting under your feet, and generally creating havoc.  And I wouldn't change a thing, apart possibly from having to get up at 5 am to try to persuade her to go outside for a pee.  Having been brought up in a Norfolk village, the signs and sounds - mainly the sounds, it must be said - of central London are quite a challenge for her and going outside to do anything is not one of her favourite things. The list of her favourite things is long and includes chewing anything that she can possibly reach, because if she can reach it, it's hers!  Casualties so far include gloves, socks, the contents of my handbag, and my husband's shoes (while he was wearing them).  I'm hoping that when the teething phase is over it will be easier to distract her.