Side Effects
Whippet
Written by Tuesday, 24 June 2008 22:32
Louie is a 4 month old whippet pup. Before we introduced Louie into our family we researched long and hard about the personalities of different breeds of dogs. It was imperative we got a dog that liked children (we have a 3 year old daughter, Aimee), and got along with other animals (we have a 2 year old rescue cat called Molly).
We found that the Whippet breed fitted the bill, and more. So months later Louie became part of our family. The 1st few weeks were exhausting. Louie would rampage around the house like there was no tomorrow and I felt like I had to have eyes at the back of my head. I thought "What have I done, do I really need this extra stress?" Even Aimee who was so enthusiastic about getting a puppy, began to get tired of Louie grabbing her soft toys (particularly her favourites, Pluto and Daisy, from Disney Mickey Mouse).
Our cat Molly, in the meantime, was really asserting herself, which was a good thing because Louie will grow to be a lot bigger and stronger than her. Louie certainly took a few swipes from her!
Now, 2 months after getting him, Louie is a fully established member of our family. We can't imagine being without him. He's calmed down quite a lot, though I have come to realise he was just being a typical pup and I have got used to his wild outbursts of naughtiness and mischief. Aimee loves nothing better than snuggling up to him on the settee and enjoys going on walks with him. Mind you, when we let him off the lead she gets upset that he will run away and not come back. Louie is also so very good with Aimee; he learnt very quickly not to jump up at her and not to be very rough when playing.
Molly has not quite got to the stage of cuddling and sleeping next to Louie, but there is still time. It is so funny watching Molly chase Louie around the garden at such speed, but she's yet to catch him. I doubt she'll ever will, he is a Whippet after all.
I am so glad we brought Louie into our family, and consider ourselves lucky that we found such a loving, gentle, and sweet natured dog. I grew up with animals; I have always adored them and had such a great respect for them. I hope with Aimee growing up with animals too, she will be the same.