When four becomes five

This weekend our family of four became five when we rehomed a beautiful 14-month-old jack russell who we've named Stanley.

Frank and I have been talking about getting a dog for over a year, but like many people confined to a teeny London flat, it wouldn't have been fair or right to do it while living in the south. I've always felt that a house without a pet is an empty shell. My childhood was spent in the country by the sea with dogs, cats, horses, chickens and guinea pigs. My two cats, Socks and Splodge, give us endless companionship, but we've always wanted a little furry companion to go on muddy walks with. Frank lived with a dog before we met and loved taking her out every day. After a lot of thought and a long chat we decided that now felt like the right time, so we decided to take the plunge.

We knew rehoming a dog with our two cats would be a challenge, and we wanted to make sure we didn't go for any old dog. We knew we couldn't have a puppy or a traumatised rescue dog because we couldn't give it the extended period of recuperation/training needed. We needed a dog that had lived with cats, was house trained, crate trained and good with people and children.

Stanley had a loving home in a good sized house in Liverpool, with two adults, three children, two other dogs and a cat. He was loved, had lots of cuddles, company and affection, but rarely went on walks because his owner has health problems and struggled to leave the house. There was very little green space nearby, and he wasn't getting the exercise or stimulation he needed. So she made the very brave, very difficult decision to rehome him.

It's been an eventful few days. Stanley has been on lots of long walks and clearly loved every minute. His nose has been permanently glued to the ground, enjoying all the delicious smells that the countryside has to offer. He is an extraordinarily friendly little dog, who wants nothing more than a cuddle, a good walk and a belly tickle. The cats are understandably scared, and we're doing our best to keep them separate for now so they can get used to his smell. We've been spending lots of time with them to make sure they don't feel replaced or threatened. It seems to be working but it will be a long, slow process.

We're feeling a little sleep deprived as Stanley has spent the last three nights howling because he's never been on his own before. It will take time, but once he settles into his routine I'm sure it will get better. Our little family feels very happy and content right now.

I hope you're all having a lovely start to the week and are enjoying as much sunshine as we are oop north! I'm itching to get out along the river a bit later. Not sure I'll feel quite as keen when it's wet and cold though!

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