Safe Spaces, Puppuccino Perks and Canine Reunions: Graham’s Cosy Life Update

Hi friends, it’s Graham here! I last updated you at Easter time when I had such an amazing weekend with the family, and well... it’s got even better! Let me rewind a few weeks and tell you about home life first. I am still really enjoying being at home with my new family. Mum is one of the nicest people ever and gives me big hugs all the time. Dad has gone crazy at the pet shop, and I think I am becoming the most pampered pooch on the street. Dad cleans my teeth with this yummy beef-flavoured toothpaste and I also get to chew on an ostrich bone when Dad can watch me, so yum! Plus, he’s got me a nice smelling perfume for after a walk, I smell so good and Mum always comments she can smell me before she sees me. Dad says it’s to mask the fart smell... he’s a boring grump! 

Ava and Danny are just so much fun, they love to play in the garden with me and always want hugs. Although the other night we all got a little confused, and I felt like I scared Ava a little. I was having my pre-dinner nap, I was dreaming about chasing the Easter bunny in the fields, when I was interrupted by something coming to my bed. I was so shocked, I jumped in my sleep and panicked and growled at whatever was coming to attack me. I opened my eyes and saw Ava trying to put my cuddlies near me so I could snuggle them in my sleep. Ava panicked and began crying while running away. It all happened so quickly, I was in total shock, I never meant to scare her. Everyone was panicking and I didn’t know what to do other than hide in the corner. I was scared I had ruined everything, but honestly, I didn’t know what I was doing and I was worried it was a monster in my bed. Mum came and found me and hugged me like she does, then  Ava came and said sorry, she didn’t mean to sleep startle me. I think Ava was in trouble and I felt sorry for her. 

That evening we got a visit from Linda Biscuits. She was explaining to Ava that my bed is my safe space and, when I am there, she isn’t to invade my space. Just like I am not allowed to go near her cuddlies anymore. Linda really helped calm the situation and no one was mad at me, which helped me feel better. 

After that confusing time, a few nights later Mum invited me up to say goodnight to Ava and Danny. I used to always do this, but Mum was a bit scared after what happened. Linda assured Mum that we need to keep things as normal. I was able to sit with Mum and Dad whilst they read Danny and Ava their nighttime story. It felt all good again and hearing about a monster under a bridge... that was my time to take a snooze. 

Fast forward a week or so and everything is back to normal. I guess it wasn’t always going to be plain sailing, but both Ava and I know we’re both sorry. Plus, it was good to see Linda again. She gave me a nail trim while she was round too.  

On a Wednesday Mum enjoys taking Ava and I for a walk to the local cafe while Dad is at work and Danny is at school. It’s about 15 minutes away so it’s a nice stroll and I get to see loads of other dogs and people. I always stand and make sure Mum’s friends give me a fuss – it's rude if they don’t! When we make it to the Cafe, Mum always orders herself an adult drink (it smells disgusting and strong), she calls it coffee. Ava without fail orders a strawberry milkshake and the cafe owner, Gus always brings me a Puppuccino. They’re the best and the little pup cup is the ideal size for my snout. Gus always laughs at me and says I get more on my nose than in my mouth... he doesn’t know I am saving it for later!  

When we are at the cafe I like to lay on the floor by Mum’s feet, with all my four legs stretched out snoozing away. Mum is constantly talking to strangers about me, they often say they’re surprised a greyhound can be so calm in a coffee shop, they clearly don’t know me that well then. I can speak for most of us greyhounds when I say, we can take a snooze and a mini lie down in any place we feel suitable! I’ve even done it on a walk before when Dad gets chatting to a mate he’s bumped into, I haven’t got time for that... so I’ll take a snooze on the grass verge until he’s done nattering.  

This time after the cafe stop, Mum bought another Puppuccino from Gus, saying something about it’ll be for later at Nanny’s. I figured it was just my lucky day, and I was getting two. But I was wrong! We walked the other way home and stopped by the duck pond for Ava to feed the ducks. I always find this a tease, as I would love to go and chase after them and make them waddle away. However, Mum is the fun police and puts me on a short lead with a muzzle on for extra safety. I wouldn’t hurt them, but I think Mum likes to feel at ease.  

We then carried on our walk, I could see Nanny’s house so it must be time for another Puppuccino, yum. But again, I was wrong. We went inside and I could immediately smell something different. I put my snout on the ground and followed the smell. It was a mixture of custard creams and the homing kennels. Weird. I continued to follow the scent and bingo... I found it. I looked up and guess who was there... GRACE!! 

My tail was going helicopter mode in circles and Grace was bouncing on her front paws. What a reunion, I sniffed her butt, and she sniffed mine just so we could double check we were who we said we were. What a great surprise! We ran outside into the garden to do zoomies, just like old times. 

After the initial excitement, Grace tucked into her Puppuccino and filled me in on her updates. It turns out, Nanny went to the homing kennels a few months ago and met a few of the residents but ended up falling in love with Grace. Linda explained that we used to be kennel mates so there would be no fear that we wouldn’t get on when we hung out as a family. So, Nanny came and visited Grace a few times to be sure and once she passed her home check, Grace came home! 

Well, that takes me up to date! I am beyond excited to have Grace in the family now. I feel like life is complete. We often meet up with Grace for a walk in the evenings and Nanny always brings her new buddy with her to my house. Grace is very jealous I now have Ted, Mr Bunny and Ellie the Elephant in my cuddly collection, alongside giant Cleo! However, Grace still has Squishy the Unicorn and her very own Cleo at her home. It seems as if I may have to show Grace where Ava keeps her cuddlies. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind if we took one for Grace! I’ll keep you updated, love and licks, Graham.