Probation – for us and a new crewmate

It’s 5 months since our gorgeous cocker spaniel Cola left us, and they have been long, often lonely months without him, for me at least. We had 15 years together, and he was a brilliant family dog.

Non dog lovers may struggle to understand so I shall try and spell out how it has felt. Walks have felt pointless, the sofa feels empty and huge, the lack of moments to indulge in calmly stroking a dog have led to sometimes unbearable tension, and not having someone to care for has made life itself and our boat feel bereft, not as much like a home.

Dogs for so many of us are an essential of life. Companions who give us so much in terms of friendship, loyalty, affection and encourage us to get out in the fresh air whatever the weather. They also depend on us in a way adult humans rarely do.

We decided we wanted to give a home to a dog that needed one. Despite the assurance of rescue charities within reasonable distance to say they would sometimes consider boaters, the only suggestions was singular and for a dog that had struggled to be rehomed.

All has changed this week. Thanks to a former colleague we came across a breeder looking to rehome a breeding bitch so we are and the boat are now on probation. Meet our new crewmate/workmate.

Probation is a testing time for everyone. In any probation situation everyone is on test – and at the end a decision needs to be made. Most of us really want it to work out, and in this situation I most certainly do, so much so I’m scared of wanting it too much.

Luckily for her, she is very different to Cola even if she likes the same sofa spot, so comparisons really can’t be made easily. She’s already caught us out being so much smaller, more agile and more portable than her predecessor – she managed to jump up onto the work surface from the sofa taking out a hanging mug in the process – startling herself and us at the same time. Having learned her lesson though, she’s not repeated that again.

She’s highly affectionate, and very accommodating of people and dogs of all sizes passing by, but unsure of ducks and swans. She also doesn’t appear very fond of water in any form – this morning’s walk involved many towpath puddle detours!

Will she settle on the boat? Boats are not for everyone after all.

We haven’t moved with her onboard yet as we need to travel slowly to the place we are due to get some welding done. If we arrive too early we could have to leave because of mooring restrictions before we need to be there for the work!

Will she like living with us? That’s not for everyone either – ask our daughters!

Will we like living with her – and that has to mean both of us – well, I’m a pushover…

So the million dollar question – will she stay or will she go? Watch. This. Space. I have everything crossed, and believe me it’s an uncomfortable situation to be in for long!