Love & Lessons: Celebrating Twelve Months of Trixie

With Monday 23rd December 2024 marking exactly 12 months since Trixie joined our family, I’ve recently been reflecting on how much our lives have changed and the unexpected lessons we've learned in the last year.

From the moment we decided to welcome a second dog, I braced myself for a whirlwind. What I didn’t anticipate, however, were the sleepless nights, Christmas tree attacks and puppy blues that followed. Trixie bounded into our lives just two days before Christmas and quickly turned our calm, organised world upside down in ways I could never have imagined. Luckily, I wasn't cooking Christmas dinner that year!

Yet, looking back a year later, I wouldn’t trade a single moment of the chaos. Trixie has taught me so much about patience, perseverance, and, most importantly, love. She’s enriched our lives in ways I never thought possible and even strengthened my bond with Vivienne, where I once worried she would create distance.

So, as we celebrate her first "gotcha day", it feels only fitting to reflect on the lessons she’s taught me along the way.

The Puppy Blues are Real

A year ago, I didn’t even know the puppy blues existed. But when Trixie came bounding into our lives, they hit me like a truck.

Feelings of guilt over disrupting Vivienne’s comfortable life collided with anxiety about the increased responsibility and financial strain. Despite meticulous planning, I felt overwhelmed, questioning whether we’d made the right choice. No amount of forethought could have prepared me for the emotional and physical strain of having a new life to care for.

Those first few weeks were tough. I spent endless evenings fighting sleep on the living room floor, hoping beyond hope that Trixie would eventually settle, all while worrying about the effects her antics were having on Vivienne. But overcoming those early struggles helped me bond with Trixie in ways I hadn’t expected. Slowly but surely, guilt turned into gratitude and she became as cherished as my wonderful Vivienne.

Looking back now, I can see those worries were unfounded. Yes, our lives look very different than they did a year ago, but in the best way possible.

The Importance of Crate Training

When it came to crate training Vivienne as a puppy, I’ll admit I gave up almost immediately. She screamed the house down the moment I opened the crate door, and I didn’t have the heart - or patience - to persist. For years, I was firmly against the idea.

But with Trixie, things were different. As a high-energy border collie with no inbuilt off switch, she needed a space to recharge and unwind. With some research and a bit of determination, her crate quickly became her sanctuary, giving her some much-needed downtime during the hectic early weeks.

Today, Trixie rarely uses her crate, but it’s still there if she needs it. Every so often, she retreats there for quiet time - usually when Vivienne already has the prime spot on the sofa!

Watching her progress from a constantly-on-the-go puppy to a more settled companion is a reminder of how far we’ve come. While she doesn’t know every trick in the book, Trixie has made incredible strides in the past year.

The Beauty of Exploring

I’ve always loved spending time outdoors, but I became uncharacteristically complacent in recent years - another thing that quickly changed when Trixie arrived!

Her boundless energy pushed me to rediscover old favourite walking spots and seek out new adventures. This June, we even ventured on our first family staycation, spending three days in the Lake District. Despite weeks of non-stop rain beforehand, we were blessed with glorious sunshine, the perfect weather for exploring Bowness-on-Windermere, Kendal and Grange-over-Sands. Trixie even had her first trip to a beer garden!

Watching her and Vivienne explore the world has been a joy and a reminder to embrace life’s simple pleasures. From trips to our favourite park to exploring further afield, their enthusiasm has reignited my love for the great outdoors.

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Having Trixie in our lives hasn’t just taught me about her - it’s taught me about Vivienne, too.

At first, I worried endlessly about how Vivienne would adapt. How would she cope sharing us with a new puppy? Would she feel displaced? Like any new sibling, she struggled at first. Adjusting to Trixie’s boundless energy and lack of manners took time, but eventually, they found their rhythm. Now, I dare say she even loves her little sister.

Trixie’s playful spirit has brought out a side of Vivienne I previously hadn’t seen in years. She’s rediscovered her love of toys, something she hadn’t shown interest in since she was a pup. And while she might never admit it, I think having a younger sibling has enriched her life, giving her new ways to burn off energy and a companion to share her days with.

Before the pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns, Vivienne loved meeting other dogs at the park, but social distancing made her unsure and sometimes reactive. Thanks to Trixie’s companionship, Vivienne is more open to meeting and playing with other dogs again - though she’ll still bark at any who dare walk past her garden!

The Joy of Being a “Crazy Dog Lady”

Dogs have always been a source of comfort and companionship for me, but raising two of my own has only deepened my respect and gratitude. They love unconditionally, meet every day with joy and remind us to appreciate life’s simplest pleasures. Their ability to turn even the smallest moments into something extraordinary is nothing short of magic.

Watching Trixie grow from an energetic, unsure puppy into a loving, gentle (yet still wonderfully wild) border collie has been a rare and unique pleasure. She approaches every experience - whether it’s chasing her beloved ball, learning a new trick or simply curling up for a cuddle - with boundless enthusiasm and trust. And in doing so, she’s taught me to embrace the present and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

But the true joy lies in seeing the bond between Trixie and Vivienne blossom. From hesitant beginnings to playful companionship, their relationship has transformed in ways I could never have imagined. Vivienne, once the cautious older sibling, now actively seeks out Trixie’s company. Their bond has not only brought them happiness but has filled my heart with pride and gratitude.

Photos by Liam Booth Photography.

These two remind me daily that life is better with a wagging tail by your side. Their quirks, antics and unwavering love enrich my world in countless ways, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Being a “crazy dog lady” isn’t just a title - it’s a privilege I cherish deeply.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I sit here with Vivienne curled on one side and Trixie on the other, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the little family we’ve built.

Whether we’re embarking on new adventures, enjoying time with our extended family or simply relaxing at home, Trixie and Vivienne have a way of bringing light and laughter to the dullest of days - even when my husband’s usual jovialities fall flat!

This past year hasn’t been without its challenges, but the joy, love and countless little moments of happiness have far outweighed them all. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, I’m excited to see how our journey unfolds as a family of four and to embrace the lessons my girls continue to teach me every day.

So, here’s to Trixie’s first “gotcha day” and all the wonderful memories still to come.