… Because if one thing can make January better, it’s an entire blog post full of puppy pictures!
Over on YouTube, I get hounded (oh wow, excuse that pun right there) for not featuring Dexter enough. When he hasn’t made a guest appearance for a little while, most of my comments on videos are requests to see the little chap’s face, and, well, I don’t blame you. I mean *look* at him!
Spending the Christmas period at home and with family meant I got to spend some real quality time with my hairy little pal, and I didn’t think it would be possible, but my love for him grew even stronger. Without work deadlines looming, and being able to relax for the first time in a really really long time, I was truly able to appreciate all the small ways that Dexter makes me happy.
I’m sure if you already have a dog, you’ll be nodding away to each of these points, so keep scrolling to read the 10 Things Dexter Does to Make My Day.
Now that I’m back to work, it means that I am often out of the house for several hours at a time. I absolutely hate having to leave Dexter, but thankfully a new piece of tech has totally revolutionised that time we spend apart. The Panasonic Smart Home Monitoring Kit was one of those sets that as soon as I heard about it, I knew I had to have it. Any excuse to be able to see my little boy, rest my mind that he is safe and happy, and I was sold.
Understanding that us owners worry about our pets when we are away from home, Petplan (the company that I use for Dexter’s insurance) teamed up with Panasonic to bring us the Monitoring Kit, which means that while I am out and about, I can monitor my pet via a small indoor camera on my phone, and even share the footage via the SD card inside (So yep, this means a LOT more Dexter coming to YouTube very soon!).
If you have a cleaner, or a dog walker (or cat sitter, it isn’t just for dogs!) then you can use the door sensor to monitor when they come and go, and there’s even a smart plug which allows you to turn on a radio, a lamp, or even a heater for your pet, to keep them calm and content. Dexter particularly likes Magic FM, perhaps it’s Angie’s soothing Bajan tones, or the lulling effects of Take That on repeat.
So what did I discover that Dexter does while I am away?
Well, for one thing, that little chap has one heck of an imagination. The angle of the camera on our bookshelf meant I could also see into the garden, and despite the fact that not even a leaf moved during the 2 hours I was away, Dexter would go absolutely bonkers and jump up at the patio doors every twenty minutes or so, as though frightening away imaginary intruders.
Secondly, just like a small child, he is quite happy playing by himself. It certainly rested my mind to see him happily chewing away and play fighting with his favourite toys while I was out of the house, although it did make me desperate to finish my meeting early so I could head back home and join in the fun!
Thirdly, and quite unsurprisingly, he sleeps, a lot. This one I kind of expected. He is only tiny so just a little bit of playtime and excitement leaves him totally exhausted, so after the thrill of chasing away imaginary enemies and then battling with his toys, he spent much of the time fast asleep on the sofa.
10 Things Dexter Does That Make My Day
- 1. He charges up to the door to greet me after a long day’s work.
No matter how stressed I am, a running hug with Dexter makes everything instantly feel better.
2. He loves to sunbathe as much as I do.
If ever I can’t find him, I just look for a patch of sunshine and he’s almost always there laying in it.
3. He doesn’t mind invading my personal space.
Whether I’m working and he drapes himself across my laptop, or I’m watching a film and he curls his little body around my neck (yep.) – this little man has no concept of personal space, and I love him all the more because of it.
4. He always jumps up on the sofa next to me.
Every time. And he won’t sit on the other side, oh no, he has to be totally tucked up beside me.
5. He is the master of puppy dog eyes.
Whether it’s a rogue poo in the house or he has chewed something he shouldn’t have, the look he gives me after I tell him off makes me feel so bad and so guilty, that I end up giving him way more extra cuddles to make up for my mean-ness.
6. He has attitude.
This little boy knows how to make strangers fall for him. Known to have even converted cat people, Dexter’s fiesty but lovable attitude is quite unique. I know I am biased, but he really is the best.
7. He thinks his growl is scary.
When we are play fighting, he ferociously growls at me. He thinks he is petrifying but really it’s just the cutest thing ever.
8. His snoring lulls me to sleep.
Is there anything more peaceful than the light snore of a puppy dog, and his warm breathe against your skin? Heck no.
9. He never leaves my side.
Whether I am popping to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, or even popping to the loo, Dexter is like my shadow, and never leaves my side.
10. He loves to love, and loves to be loved.
I say this out-loud in my weird dog voice to him, but it really is true. Dexter is always so willing to show love – he is caring, he knows when I need a cuddle, he snuggles up and offers to play at always the right moment. Equally he is so happy to accept love. You just have to sit on the floor with him before he rolls over, and accepts your tummy rubs.
Oh wow, I truly could go on forever, and writing this has made me desperate for Dexter cuddles!
Thanks so much for reading, and if you’ve got any anecdotes about your pets, then let me know in the comments below!
Have you ever considered using a Pet Monitoring Kit?
Make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel, to see ‘A Day In The Life of Dexter’ video, coming soon!
This post has been possible thanks to PetPlan, but all thoughts and opinions truly my own – I have insured Dexter through PetPlan since he was 6 weeks old!
