Lenny

Well, after much thought and research and talking to knowledgable people I decided against a greyhound. They are lovely dogs and if I had some land and a more dog friendly spouse I'd definitely get one but as it is...

I'd never heard of the breed of dog called Lowchen but when I read up about them I thought that they might be contenders. I was looking for a quiet, calm dog with low wanderlust. I contacted a local breeder and after chatting for a while it came up that I would actually prefer an older dog rather than a puppy and she had a lightbulb moment and thought she had the perfect dog for me.

Leonard is a two year old male Lowchen. He was her pride and joy show puppy but unfortunately when his adult teeth came through his bite was incorrect. Being a responsible breeder she was not prepared to breed from a dog with a fault and his showing days were at an end. Since then he's been happily running with the pack of 18 dogs (Lowchens and Bichons) but she'd always felt he deserved a bit more one on one attention than he was getting.

So we met Leonard and thought he was adorable and wanted him. Our biggest issue was how Milly, our very assertive miniature schnauzer would cope. Leonard's breeder has been fabulous and as a responsible breeder has said that if it doesn't work out she is more than happy to take him back, in fact she expects to. This is great - it means we can welcome Lenny into our home and the stress is reduced by knowing that if things turn to custard it isn't the end of the world and someone else loves him.

Lenny came home with us yesterday. Poor boy was snipped during the week and now wrenched from his home. He was very wary and nervous. Milly, so far, has been a star. We introduced them at a local park and she pretty much ignored him which was the best outcome we could have wanted. Since he's been in the house she's been fine and is even tolerating us patting him in her presence. Of course this may not last once the novelty has worn off and she realises he's here to stay!

This morning Lenny seems much happier and quite bouncy. Early days but I'm hoping he accepts us and learns to think of us as his family. I will keep you posted as to how we go - fingers crossed it all works out...

www.pinkstuff.co.nz