Milo’s first year has been a whirlwind of puppy treats, puppy kisses and puppy paws. It’s been absolutely fantastic welcoming him into our family and I can whole-heartedly say that we would be lost without him. I thought I’d share a few of the best and worst bits of this last year.
The kids have actually been able to use the excuse
‘My dog ate my homework’.
Actually it was a school reading book, but still. He chewed it and probably would of carried on if we hadn’t disturbed him.
‘It wasn’t me!’ 
Puppy Bites! 
I’m too cute for you to stay mad!
The first trip to the groomer was a nerve wracking experience although he aced it and loved being pampered and cut. Our groomer Kettering Doggies always snap a pic when their clients are on the table to share on their facebook page. He wouldn’t look at the camera for this, however once home we couldn’t get him to stop posing. A big credit must go to Ruby as she seems to be the most talented at getting the cutest and funniest pictures of Milo.
Excited pose! 
Sexy pose! 
Relaxed pose! 
‘Strike a pose’ pose!
Milo’s first Christmas was an extra exciting time, we dressed him up like a reindeer with antlers and a red nose. It lasted all of 30 seconds before he chewed it to bits, he’s not a fan of cosplay, unless its a fancy bandana of course. He loved unwrapping his gifts though. It took him most of the morning. I wished the kids showed as much enthusiasm when unwrapping theirs.
Spoiler alert – its a squeaky brussel sprout!
Milo’s wardrobe grows each time we take a visit to the local Pet store. He has a range of bandanas and collars for every day of the week. He really suits a bandana, don’t you think?
Does this make me look fat?
Once he had the toilet training down, we decided to ditch the cage we used to crate train and purchase a basket for him to sleep in. He uses it a night, but every morning decides he hates the soft lining, so pulls it off and takes it outside. I never said he wasn’t a little weird. He would have to be a little odd to fit in with our family. I don’t know what he’s got against comfort though.
This photo scares me as he has evil eyes and looks like a different canine!
I couldn’t resist taking him through the car wash with me after his last groom. I thought he would love it as he runs outside when its going to rain and can’t wait to get wet, which he does at every opportunity. He could not have been more bored. He showed no interest whatsoever.
Yawn! 
Oh water – like I’ve not seen that before! 
You take me to the best places – not!
At around 9 months he started doing something all male dogs tend to do – and some bitches too. He began to rut against anything soft. Miller has some teddy bears that have been scared for life. He never attempted to do this to a person, which I will forever be thankful for. It did prompt an embarrassing conversation with the kids though and Andy and I decided to get him spayed. Our vet had already mentioned this previously on our last visit and we had kinda put it off. We had his ears done too as he kept getting an infection in his left ear, apparently this is indicative of the breed.
Now it had been a long time since I had a dog as a pet, I was technically a child, but I knew our family dog had been spayed and it never really effected him from what I could remember. I’m quite embarrassed to admit this, but I didn’t actually look into what it entailed. I quite naturally assumed it was similar to a vasectomy.
Andy had this procedure after Miller was born and he was in pain for a day, maybe 2 and then was fine. A tiny incision and ‘bobs your uncle’.
What I didn’t realise was that for dogs they actually remove the balls. It wasn’t until we had brought Milo home and I had a peek that I noticed his manhood was completely gone. I still feel so guilty about this, if I had known, I don’t think I would have got him done. For the next month, I couldn’t do enough for him, treats galore, walks to his favourite places – once he was up to it. I feel like I was the last person to know this vital information – when a dog is spayed – His balls are REMOVED! It’s not like it comes up in general conversation, so how was I to know! He had to wear the cone of shame for approx 10 days whilst he healed. Doesn’t he look sorry for himself!
Ouch!
Whilst wandering around B&M we found an amazing dog toy. It was a bargain at £2 too. A toy gun that fires peanut butter flavour bubbles. Its his most favourite thing. A treat that he exercises for and the kids can have fun with it too. I highly recommend this for any dog owner – as you can see they are bloody brilliant.
Pop, pop, pop, pop – yum, yum, yum, yum!
Milo’s first trip to the beach was a success too. We went to Wells-next-the-Sea near Hunstanton. It’s brilliant because it has a segregated dog beach. He got to meet other dogs and people and could swim in the water. He was so excited it was quite hard to snap a photo as he wouldn’t stay still long enough. He also managed the long car journey without any accidents – especially as he was between the kids – anything could happen when they start arguing!
“I wanted to sit by the window” 
Mmmm… chips! 
It’s a whole new level to Beach Hair!
We took heaps of photos over the last year and we can see how much he’s grown and how much of a poser he is when we get the camera out. Here’s a last few where he’s posing. He knows how cute he is and uses it to his every advantage. Seriously, could you say no to this little face?
Smelling the flowers! 
Tasting the flowers!
Helloyellowdoor 