Two years ago, our little household was somewhat lost.  We are such a positive family, we really are.  But at that point, we had experienced the most painful 18 months. 

In those months we had lost a parent (my Dad), two grandparents (both Carl’s), a job (mine) and then our beloved family dog, Denzel.

Denzel was a true gent.  Everyone that had ever met Denzel, would comment on what a lovely dog he was (they still do).  Not only was he handsome, but he had a heart of pure gold.  He was completely committed to our family, especially the kids, who looked up to him as an older sibling, as they were born after we got him.

Losing Denzel was the final blow and I will admit that we all felt the void and lost our sparkle.  It was such a sad time.  Maybe it would have been easier, had it been at a different time, who knows.  But I know that this was the lowest time for us all.

We insisted that we would not get another dog, it was too heartbreaking.  Seeing the kids so upset was incredibly hard and we did not want to do that to them again.  Or so we thought.

One weekend, Carl mentioned that the cost of puppies was considerably higher than it had been.  Which meant that he had obviously been looking.  Truth is, so had I, almost non-stop.  So we talked about it and agreed that maybe we were ready to think about getting a puppy.

It was after we spoke to the kids, that our mind was made up.  When we suggested that it could be time to get another dog, they immediately lit up.  So the hunt began, officially!

We saw some pups advertised, not far from our home town…so we took a ride to go and take a look.  The breed was Dogue de Bordeaux, just like Denzel.  It felt perfect seeing the parents of the pups, looking just like our very own Denzel.  We all fell in love with one of the male puppies, but we tried to convince ourselves that we had to see more before deciding.  However, the need to see him again was overwhelming, so we just stuck a deposit down and collected him when he was ready!

That pup turned out to be Rocco.  He was perfect.  Big paws, droopy ears, gorgeous eyes.  Rocco was an angel, our angel.  He cured our family more than we ever imagined.  We were laughing, smiling and happy again, after such a long time.

Two years later – we now also have Reggie, an Olde English Bulldog with endless energy, a breed that I swore I would never own, yet here I am, two dogs already and broody for more!

I was never a dog person.  My love was for cats and I still adore my old cat Tazzy, who seems to be set to outlive us all!  But it has to be said.  Dogs are different.  I never would have believed it until I got one.

Dogs are caring, loving, completely devoted to their family and bring so much character with them.

Yes, Reggie has chewed through our full home.  Yes, Rocco is a stubborn little thing when he wants to be.  But no, I can’t see our world without them being part of it.

Will they cause us immense pain when they eventually leave us?  Of course.  But it will have been a complete honour to share however many years we have them, so no regrets.

Happy second birthday to our beautiful grump, Rocco – thank you for changing our lives.