Am I Mad?

Sitting here, wondering what to write, there was a rhythmic kind of ka-chic, ka-chic, ka-chic noise coming from the other end of the house. It continued for long enough that I started to wonder what on earth it was. A couple of scenarios passed through my mind until I decided they were impossible and settled on the idea of a very large canine who has a habit of stealing things.

And there he was, two cans stolen from the recycling, one inside the other. As he licked the smaller inside can, trying to get every last drop of coconut cream, it would lift slightly in the larger can and drop back again ka-chic, ka-chic. Someone should feed the poor starving boy.

We have two dog beds in the house and a couch outdoors which serves as bed and watch point. The two beds have blankets, dog coats and stolen bits of detritus around them. It's a triumph of interior decorating..... 

Life without a dog was so simple. There was so much less picking up to do and can I tell you I hate picking up. There was more room and nobody walked in circles on my bed in the middle of the night. I could eat without being stared down and watch TV without yoyo-ing to open the door for an ungrateful young man.

I must have forgotten all of that when I gave my permission  didn't cry out in horror, against the idea of my daughter Briony getting her very own fur child (when did I start calling dogs fur children, for crying out loud?)

I must have forgotten when I accompanied Briony to the local shelter. I must have forgotten when I met the puppy.....the puppy who will come here tomorrow....

I wonder will Harry teach her bad habits or will her own bad habits be enough? Will she steal food? Dive in the bins? Chew shoes? Dig in the yard?

She's an Australian breed I've never heard of before, a Bull Arab, designed as a pig hunting dog: big, strong & fast. I see why she hasn't been claimed, our work will be cut out. Her name will be Millie and what's not to love?