How time flies

It hardly seems possible, but it's exactly two years ago that I opened up my computer one morning and saw the photo above on our Dutch version of ebay. Of course, I knew instantly this little dog was the one for me. I mean who could resist that wee face? Not me, especially as I'd been looking for an adult American cocker spaniel for several months and this was the first advertisement I'd seen for one. She was a year old and utterly gorgeous.

It almost didn't happen, though. Despite responding immediately, the advertiser, a lady called Jude, emailed me to say someone else had already reserved little Zoe, but she left me with the promise that if things didn't work out, she'd contact me. A few anxious days later, Jude sent me a message asking if I still wanted her. The other people had backed out for some reason and Zoe still needed a home. Well, there was no question and no hesitation this time, so on February the 1st, 2023, Koos and I set off to collect her. 

The rest has been well documented here on this blog, as I'm sure those who come here regularly will know – I can see the eye rolls and weary smiles from here :). We are now, unbelievably two years down the line with Zoe a fully settled 3-year-old resident of our parish and one small bundle of gorgeous, sweet fluff.

The photos below are early ones taken during her first month with us. She was quite thin, and although you can't see them, she had bald patches on her neck, legs and her bottom too. She also had an ulcer in one eye. She's still troubled by allergies that make her scratch terribly, but the bald patches have gone, her eye has healed and she is much, I repeat much, hairier than she was. 

After being spayed, her coat became very thick and curly. I must say I quite regret the loss of her lovely, smooth, silky hair, but it was very thin and she's so much healthier now.

The first day and everything was new. You can see the
questioning look in her eyes

Exhaustion after the long drive back

Visiting her next door auntie

The first days after being spayed.  She still
has one of her smart onesies, but this one
did not survive the puppy next door

Since then, Zoe has grown in confidence and has experienced all sorts of new adventures. Her favourite place is the local woods where she can dash about, leaping over twigs and branches, with her pal Lucy. She also loves being on board Vereeniging and had a wonderful time this last summer when we went faring with her for the first time. She's been to France by road and Belgium by boat, as well as numerous other places in between.

We've had a few health dramas with abscesses in her throat (this may be related to her allergies), and there's always medication needed for ear infections and those same allergies. She's had one of those sharp grass heads stuck in her paw, which had to be removed, and we go through spells when I always seem to be at the vet. Then, there's the grooming, which needs to be done frequently, if not often (sorry), and which she predictably hates. Never cooperative, she sulks after every trimming session, so it's an ongoing challenge. But would I change a bit of it? No.

When she's snuggled up next to us; when she's prancing about along the back of the sofa like a cat; when she's doing her howling wolf impressions, she makes us love her and laugh at her in equal measure.  
 

Zoe is a character with a capital C, a ray of sunshine when the days are dull, our common little cockney spaniel and we wouldn't be without her for a moment. These last photos are some of the more recent ones (which I may well have posted already) as well as a drawing I did of her a couple of weeks ago. 

Next week, I'll do a post about the various things that have happened this month, so if dogs are not your thing, allemaal, be reassured I'll be back with the normal items on the menu soon. It was just that I couldn't let this two-year anniversary pass without a post. Koos and I may not have grandchildren, but we have our very own, very special grandpup 😊