THIS IS SOPHIE

We have all said it... When anything happens to our pets, we are not having anymore. Not long after Jennie died we lost Lady and that is exactly what we said. How empty our lives became, it was so silent, no one to take out for walks, nor have a silent cry or special communication with, it was lonely. At the same time we were very determined to stay positive, no worrying about leaving a pet on it's own all day or booking it in at kennels so we can go on holiday's etc: Not to mention the expense.

Life changed, my husband who suffered from clinical depression had a relapse, this meant he lost his job and spent many months in hospital. He kept saying how much he would like a pup, but I was trying to avoid both the responsibility and expense. It was not a good idea, however my heart was longing for the companionship, and cuddles were few these days; also mental-illness is one of the easiest ways to get rid of family and friends. Another pet would fill in a lot of gaps for us both.

I surfed around various sites to do with dogs and filled in a survey about the kind of dog which would suit our lifestyle. Lots of small ones were recommended including Papillon and so the search began. Success was not easy, very few were available and were either too far away and expensive plus transport was a bit of a problem too. Things got from bad to worse as my health broke down too and I had to have an operation and the subject went on hold.

However, during our search I had put an advert and my e/mail address on some wanted site and this was forgotten until mail appeared in my inbox from a lady who bred and showed Chinese Hairlessdogs. 

She had bought a Papillon hoping to show them too, but this new addition had proved very boisterous and was causing her other placid dogs problems. After reading my advert she contacted me with a phone number to get in touch with her.

The phone call made our minds up, not only that a photo was sent of this little 9 month black and white pup with enormous ears. She already had a name, Sophie, it suited her and we wanted to get her as quickly as possible.

Got a bit of a shock when we found out we had to go to Wales to complete our deal, fortunately close friends volunteered to take us and suggested making a weekend of it, and this we did. Our destination was a Holiday Inn and we were to be introduced to our new little companion at lunch time the following day; this we did and Sophie was ours.

Papillon is French for Butterfly; they are called this because of their large ears which are enormous compared with their delicate face.

They are extremely intelligent, confident, friendly and loyal, but utter fruit-cakes. Lap dogs they are not.

Our home became a happy place again, my husbands mood became more positive as Sophie's personality took over his emotional well being. This was very apparent during the next few months.

Visitors do not come to see us they come to visit Sophie and must entertain her as she desires; almost all words are understood, even mime. Talking behind her back is impossible, she knows everything. If you fail to give her attention she will disappear under the sofa until you notice she has gone, of course you then feel guilty for neglecting her.

If anyone or anything is within seeing or hearing distance of our house, they are trespassing, this also includes birds as they fly past. She is constantly on guard protecting her territory. Wind and rain is not her favourite, she hates getting her feet muddy and long curly tail wet. However, when snow arrives she turns into a complete crazy creature, diving, rolling, jumping causing chaos to everything within distance. She just loves it, but the trouble is her coat gets so clinkered up she can hardly move and it is left to us to pick up this solid lump, carry it home and defrost it. It never puts her off though.

Despite her bossiness, she is the most loving little creature on earth; her ability to make you smile is an art form. Just to know she is downstairs waiting when you get up in a morning makes life worth living. Now aged six years Sophie is best companion in the world; my husband's health has improved because of her devotion and as for me, I thank goodness my heart ruled my head.

I am so happy to have Sophie as my friend.

Submitted by Dee Fricker.