This was Sam and Beas first Christmas in a house, with a family. I don’t count any Christmas days before that as I doubt there was a difference between that and any other day for them. That cannot be said for a Newbury Christmas!
There were Christmas decorations to represent them on the tree (a gorgeous gift for Sam and Bea from Twiggy and Gracie), personalised sacks, Christmas jumpers and of course presents. Snufflemats, mental stimulation games and a sack of ostrich goodies from our favourite pet product retailer. Perhaps a bit over the top in some people’s opinions – but Joe and I had Christmas jumpers, sacks with presents and boxes of treats. They are part of the family so they should absolutely join in the fun. The Santa hats did not go down well though.
The ostrich sacks may have been Beas favourite – while we were prepping coats to head out she managed to open the canvas bag, retrieve and half tear open an ostrich bone and commence gnawing – you need eyes in the back of your head with her where food is concerned! Ostrich bone retrieved and festive looking red and green coats donned for a festive walk on the beach.
For the first time in about 2 weeks, it wasn’t raining. It was a glorious sunny day, fresh and crisp. Perfect for a family walk on the beach, keeping within the COVID rules. Sam and Bea were keen and interested in the adventure, approaching people for a fuss (one couple gave Bea a super fuss as they had lost their greyhound just two weeks before – that made me tear up just a bit) and meeting other dogs calmly. They were not keen on the water hitting their paws but that’s reasonable for December in Wales – I wasn’t fussed on getting wet either!
Dinner was always going to be a highlight of the day, for both us and the dogs that you would be convinced we didn’t feed based on how quickly they devour a meal. We were having dinner with Joe’s family, as is our Christmas tradition and the dogs were part of the invite (as expected – invite us, invite our dogs!) and we had already had some advance calls with Joe’s mum about what she was going to cook for them. It was fairly relaxed time wise, which was good because we underestimated how long it takes to pack up things for 2 dogs to go and spend an afternoon and evening in a house that doesn’t have dogs. Due to COVID, it’s not a place they are familiar with – a couple of short garden visits when the rules permitted was not a substitute for an extended period of time there. I was a little anxious if Sam would settle (I knew Bea would explore and then pick a sofa if food was not available) and so we packed to accommodate that – the day dog beds (his favourite) were loaded into the car, along with his blanket, some jumpers in case it got cold, water and food bowls, tablets and biscuits for food and a braided lamb skin chew in case they needed a distraction. I think taking a toddler out may be less work!
My fears were unfounded. They walked in like they lived there – a run up to the people seated at the table with starters ready and waiting for us, pushing their noses under people’s arms and enjoying a fuss. Joe’s aunt and Bea formed an instant friendship, with Bea snuggling her head into her and enjoying all of the fusses which Aunt was more than happy to give. Sam visited Joe’s parents in turn and took himself off on a wander of the house. Note to Sam – whilst you can make it up wooden steps, you cannot make it down them and Joe had to stage a mid course rescue.
Bea has perfected the art of table and counter top begging but as she is a little greyhound, she cannot quite reach any plates and relies on her eyes and the sad “feed me” face that she has also perfected. You have to be a little lore careful with Sam as he can and will reach when Turkey is on offer we learnt!
Joe’s mum had outdone herself, both for people and woofers, with the dogs having their own organic chicken and organic veg separate from the people food. I’ve never seen them so excited to eat – I can certainly confirm that they enjoyed their first taste of Christmas dinner! They were very keen to hunt seconds and play at being floor vacuums in case anyone had dropped the tiniest bit.
They joined in the traditional post dinner lie down in front of the TV – with Bea as predicted picking a sofa and curling her head into Joe’s Aunts hand on the edge of her chair for a sleepy fuss. Sam circled the floor beds for a little bit but settled himself down and fell asleep in front of the Chase. They woke up when the cheeseboard appeared with a view there might be a square for cheddar for them (spoiler – there was a little bit) and then were quite keen to go home in their Christmas fleeces and go to bed – worn out after the most exciting day.
No one was really feeling Christmas this year – unable to mix with families and friends, no parties or meals out. It was certainly different – but the view around the table was that the dogs had made Christmas for everyone this year (and that’s a direct quote from my mother in law!) The enthusiasm of Sam and Bea to join in with the Christmas Day celebrations, from a sunny walk to presents and food with loved ones. Their joy at being part of this was just infectious and became the joy of the season. The parties and over the top celebrations don’t really matter – it’s just about being with the ones you love, something that’s been so hard in 2020. Sam and Bea spent Christmas with people they love who love them – that’s what it’s all about.
Except Ostrich bones. Bea thinks it’s all about an ostrich bone. Or maybe a gentle fuss.
