Paw Prints on My Heart: To All the Dogs I've Loved Before

Dogs have been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. 

From watching them on TV to my own childhood dogs and, of course, my wonderful girls, Vivienne and Trixie, every dog I have seen, met and loved has left an indelible paw print on my heart.

So, as I reflect on our first full year as a family of four, I find myself looking back on the dogs who shaped me, the lessons they taught, and how they continue to influence my journey as a proud dog mum today.

The Beginning: Daphne and Mac

My journey began early, at the age of three, when my family welcomed my first childhood dogs - a chocolate labrador called Daphne, soon followed by her littermate, a black labrador called Mac.

While Daphne was named after her mum (who was of course named after everyone's favourite Scooby Doo character), Mac was named after a character in one of my favourite TV shows, Clifford the Big Red Dog.

As soon as Daphne and Mac joined the family, dogs became my whole world. Of course, I'd loved dogs prior to then, but having dogs of my own ignited a deep and heartfelt passion that has transcended the years. 

Despite being littermates, they couldn’t have been more different - Daphne was always full of boundless energy, while Mac brought a more calming and loving presence. 

Together, though, they made the perfect pair and, looking back, it's their contrasting personalities that truly made them so.

The Comfort of Companionship

Daphne and Mac were more than my childhood dogs - they were my earliest teachers of loyalty and love. For a young, anxious child navigating the world, they provided more than companionship; they were a source of comfort and consistency during times of change. Their presence gave me courage as I adjusted to starting nursery, helping me find my footing in an unfamiliar and scary world.

Even when they couldn’t be by my side, their influence was constant. My collection of soft toy dogs, each with a name and personality, became an extension of their comfort and companionship.

One toy in particular will always hold a special place in my heart - my first foray into border collie ownership, Shep. 

Shep came into my life as a Christmas present from my Grandma and Grandad - and I can still remember the sense of joy I felt when I unwrapped him! Unfortunately, I soon learned the hard way not to leave him in reach of Daphne and Mac, who quickly scooped him up for an enthusiastic play session and gave him what I now like to call the Trixie toy treatment. After a LOT of hysteria on my part, my wonderful grandparents managed to source a replacement Shep - this time a tricolour border collie. 

Now, as I watch Trixie - a real-life tricolour border collie - zoom around the house, I can’t help but smile at the serendipity. It feels like Daphne and Mac were preparing me for this moment all along.

A Growing Pack

As if a house with two labradors wasn't manic enough, when Daphne had puppies in 2007, we just had to keep one for ourselves. Enter Jetta-May - named in equal parts for her jet black fur, her month of birth and, of course, another character from Clifford the Big Red Dog.

Jetta-May inherited her mother’s headstrong nature but with her own unique flair. Together, she and Daphne became a truly mischievous duo, often keeping gentle Mac on his toes. Ever the patient soul, Mac embraced his role as the calming presence in their lively pack, embodying the unconditional love only dogs can offer.

Navigating Loss and Legacy

Saying goodbye to Daphne, Mac, and later Jetta-May was truly heartbreaking, but their love and lessons live on. In their life and passing, they taught me to cherish every wagging tail, every shared adventure, and every quiet moment.

Now, these lessons guide my relationship with Vivienne and Trixie. Though their breeds, personalities, and quirks differ, they embody the same sense of connection that first sparked my love for dogs all those years ago.

While Vivienne is the essence of Mac with her laid back personality and love of quiet, Trixie's boisterous and boundless energy takes me back to playing with Daphne and Jetta-May.

A Lifelong Love

Reflecting on all the dogs I’ve loved, I’m reminded of one unshakable truth: dogs teach us to live fully in the moment. They remind us that life’s greatest joys are often the simplest - a wagging tail, a shared adventure, or quiet companionship. 

Though their time with us is fleeting, their impact is profound. Daphne, Mac and Jetta-May have all left a unique mark on my heart, shaping the person and dog mum I am today. As I look into the warm, glowing eyes of Vivienne and Trixie, I feel a profound gratitude to them for being part of my journey. 

To me, dogs are not just pets; they are guides, grounding us in what truly matters. And for every lesson they’ve imparted, I am endlessly grateful.

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Lessons Beyond Dogs

This blog wouldn’t be complete without mentioning two other special childhood companions: Flipper, the goldfish who defied all odds (surviving far longer than any goldfish should) and Oscar, our mischievous ginger cat who joined the family in 2011.

Despite being a self-confessed dog person, I campaigned for years to have a cat, and Oscar quickly became one of my closest companions. Whether he was following me to school or sneaking swipes at Flipper, his antics brought endless laughter to our home.

Today, Oscar is living his best life with my mum and his brother-from-another-mother, Oliver

(affectionately known as “Oviler” thanks to my niece’s childhood mispronunciation).

I would like to say that living together for 6 years means they and Vivienne are the best of friends regardless of their species, but despite the odd tender moment, Vivienne has made sure they know who's boss!