And then there were two...

Flora - Isla's half sister - has now officially joined the family, and she's a real heart-breaker.  Very relaxed and confident, considering she's just been taken away from her siblings, and now beginning to explore the house and garden.  Isla has been incredibly tolerant of the new upstart, the only exceptions being when Flora strayed too close her food bowl (a capital offence) and attempted to climb into her bed.  They're not quite at the "playing together" stage yet, but I don't think it will be long.

Isla started the destruction of my backpack straps when she arrived two years ago, and it's nice to see that Flora is continuing the family tradition.

Flora's favourite spot for a snooze appears to be on a mat in the dining room with her head shoved inside one of Issy's shoes.  No accounting for taste, I suppose...

My photographic friends will understand why I needed to rescue my "Colour Checker Passport" very smartly after taking the following shot.

Sisters under the skin.

I'll document Flora's progress as time goes on, so please stay tuned for lots more unbearable cuteness!

[Pictures of Isla at the same stage can be found here]

A big "Hello" to Flora

Almost exactly two years since we first went to see Isla (pictures here) Issy and I were back in Lavenham to meet her half sister, Flora, who will be joining the family at the end of the month.  The weather couldn't have been more different to last time, given that Storm Dennis was starting to make itself felt, but the excitement at meeting our new family member was just as great as before.  We now have two weeks to re-puppy-proof the house, having almost got back to normal after Isla's arrival.  (She still has a penchant for raiding the kindling basket, meaning that it needs to be kept out of her reach.)  Despite the inevitable chewing of fingers, clothing, furniture, cushions, etc. - and the endless puddles on the floor - everything is worthwhile given the pleasure and companionship which a dog (or two) brings to the house.  Roll on February 29th for the arrival of our leap-year pup.

The breeder, David Knight of Waterside Gundogs, holding Flora's sister - Abby - who he is keeping.

The following two pictures are Flora's yellow brothers, both of whom are looking for a good home.  The one in David's hands is the "big boy" of the litter; the other is more delicate, with absolutely beautiful markings.

Having just been fed - and with the strong winds of Storm Dennis howling outside - the pups were understandably keen to go back to snoozing under the heat lamp.  Given the conditions I didn't blame them one bit.  Flora is the yellow pup on the left in the first picture.

Fingers crossed that Isla and her new playmate will actually get on.  Whatever happens, you'll be able to read the full story here...