After all the chaos of last Monday, followed by four very busy days in the Gallery later in the week, we set off bright and early yesterday morning to fetch our newest member of our quirky family. Lexi, originally named Luna, until we thought of a livelier name, had been bred by Sharlene at Apache Park Groodles, south of Donnybrook, a good four hour drive from Heavenly Beverley.
We stopped for fuel and lunch at Williams, a quaint little farming community. The day was grey and cold, with occasional sunny shafts warming the car. We drove on, unexpectedly enjoying the countryside with green rolling hills, brilliant yellow canola, lots of sheep and forrest reserves. At Donnybrook, famous for its spectacular apple orchards, we sent a message to Sharlene to let her know of our imminent arrival. Their property, away from the highway, and behind a buffer of forrest, was on a slope with the house up high taking advantage of the surrounding view. We came through the gate, meeting Chester, Lexi's handsome silver Poodle dad. and their Stella, a caramel Groodle, their resident dam (not Lexi's mum). We watched Lexi playing outside on the grass, marvelling at her 12 week old stamina, keeping up with the bigger dogs. After some amiable conversation, we collected her vaccination and microchip records and her kibble and popped her in the car on the back seat with Stella.
We had been concerned about any problems travelling, but she turned out to have no issues whatsoever. She settled without a whimper and after about half an hour , fell sound asleep and remained that way until we pulled into Station House's carport. We spent the next hour allowing her to explore and rewarding her with very loud praise when she performed a wee outside. After keenly chomping on her kibble with some yoghurt, she settled on the couch with me.
As I was exhausted, I was in bed at 8.30, leaving Michael with our girls. I slept and slept. Michael left her in our living area, having brought in the extra dog bed she seemed to like. Thus, we are now sporting two dog beds inside, with the large wooly blanket draped over both.
I woke around 7 in the morning. I fed Lexi her breakfast, gave Stella her allergy medication (!) with some pate and placated Chop with fresh water and his kibble. I retired back to bed about 9.30 for a post breakfast nap, as my cold was still troubling me. Michael joined me for a short time, but Lexi's cries sent him out of the bedroom to the couch and she settled happily on his legs for a mid-morning snooze.
This afternoon has passed most agreeably. Chop has accepted her with amused disinterest. Stella was initially decidedly frosty, which was a surprise. However, Stella has thawed as today has passed and we hope that she won't view Lexi much longer as an interloper but rather as a partner in crime. Lexi, with her enthusiastic puppy cheerfulness, is working to win Stella over and I am pretty sure they will be best buddies before long.
Both the dogs and Mister Chop have eaten dinner, we have been sipping before-dinner drinks and the ABC news is on the telly. Stella is relaxing in the crate, Chop is grooming himself on top of the couch and Lexi is curled up next to her Daddy.
All is well in our world.
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