My perfect puppy love

SONIA POULTON describes the life-changing effects that owning a dog has brought.

PROUD OWNER Writer Sonia has a West Highland terrier pup PROUD OWNER: Writer Sonia has a West Highland terrier pup

With her little feet sticking upright and her paws twitching like a dying fly, Bliss, our five-month-old West Highland terrier, is sprawled asleep across my lap. She shows not a care in the world.

Her relaxed state fills me with calm and I send a silent prayer of thanks for her. Funny thing is, I never thought I would experience this moment again.

At 15 I was forced to give away my mongrel bitch, Honey. That dark autumn morning, when I walked her to the kennels and out of my life, left me heartbroken and I vowed never to replace her.

I couldn’t bear parting with another dog. Several decades later and I have a daughter Shaye, 11. Motherhood has brought a change of perspective and I want my child to experience the joyous bond I shared with Honey.

So, after much deliberation (three years to be precise),I agreed to bring a dog into our lives.

So it was that we found ourselves at a Wiltshire kennels as four Westie pups – two brothers, two sisters – belted around us yapping with great merriment.

Shaye and I fell instantly in love with the bundles of white fluffiness before us. The problem was choosing one. I couldn’t – they were all adorable – so my daughter had to decide.

Typically, she chose the underdog. We took home the smallest and scruffiest of the litter, a bitch we called Bliss – little did we know how prophetic that name would prove to be.

That was eight weeks ago. Since then, my life has changed beyond recognition. I work from home and Bliss brings numerous interruptions to my day.

Being mummy to her is even more demanding than raising my own child. In fact, it is fair to say Bliss fulfils a maternal need in me as my daughter strives towards ever-increasing independence.

Her reliance on me is touching. For the first month Bliss followed me around the house, sticking close to my heels and tripping me up with alarming regularity.

She brought fleas to our home and disturbance to our two cats. House-training was laborious. Heaven knows what our neighbours made of the sight of me squatting down by our garden bushes in the hope that the dog would imitate me.

She has already clocked up £500 in fees and vet bills – none of which has guaranteed us immunity from her deadly flatulence. While I’ve been reminded that dogs are a serious commitment and must not be approached lightly, I have also remembered what they bring to a family.

According to numerous studies, dogs are a powerful antidote to depression and a major contributor of happiness. Having been prone to dark moods myself, I know this is true.

Bliss has heralded a new beginning. She is a blank slate and her innocence and gung-ho approach to life is invigorating to witness.

She possesses “the adorability factor” as she listens intently to me, cocking her head to one side, her coal-dark eyes searching the tone in my words and her little wiry tail thrashing back and forth with uninhibited joy. Yes, I am hooked.

Dogs, even more than cats, are very loving. They require only to be cared for and, in return, give lashings of unconditional love. This is reassuring, especially for people who suffer depression.

For a single mother like me, Bliss is a wonderful companion when Shaye is tucked up in bed. As she snuggles by my side, her presence comforts me.

Even watching her sleep is pleasurable. Practically, too, there are benefits. Since Bliss’s arrival I have lost half a stone just from walking her twice a day.

She is also a social ice-breaker. The dog-walking fraternity like nothing more than stopping to chat and swap tips and anecdotes. My social circle has grown because of her.

Bliss has also increased my productivity. Our morning walk – which I wouldn’t do if not for her – gives me clarity and I am more focused on my goals for that day.

The good news continues. Studies reveal that giving her affection, such as hugging, brushing, rubbing and stroking, lowers my blood pressure as the actions cause a decrease in stress. Frankly, she is win-win.

Already, I cannot imagine life without her. Yes, I finally understand the true meaning of “mucky pup” as she rolls in mud.

She sheds baby teeth around our house, is still confused why nipping her teeth at people is not fun and she has already proved financially costly. None of it matters a jot for, the truth is, she may just save my sanity.

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