My studio buddy’s arrival!

It’s been a busy few days here at Aitch Jay Designs with the arrival of my new studio buddy!

Saturday was spent collecting Lucy — an approximate seven‑hour round trip, but worth every second. When we arrived to pick her up, we were advised that all the puppies had just fallen asleep. But when we walked around to their kennel and run, she was the only one awake, sitting outside as if she was waiting for us and somehow knew we were coming! She was (and is) even more gorgeous in real life than in her photos. Her brindle markings are stunning, and she even has a tiny spot of gold in the middle of her left ear.

Check out her beautiful face (and podgy puppy belly) in this pic!

She was so good on the way home, sitting on my lap and mostly asleep, whilst my husband David drove. We made a few quick stops for her along the way and finally arrived home around 5.30pm. She spent the evening exploring her new abode and finding little hidey holes to snuggle into for quick naps — including the gap between my back and the sofa, as I spent most of the evening sitting on the floor with her. In between her explorations, she would often come and lie right next to me, snuggling her back against my leg.

She was so good overnight, sleeping in our bedroom. I only got up once at about 4am to take her out for a quick pee, and then we got up properly around 6am. Over the course of the day, we got to know our little girl more. She gets lots of hiccups - must be growing! - and loves being outdoors, finding leaves, sticks, and the spiky pods from our liquid amber tree. We also discovered her love of pretty flowers and succulents — ie. eating them! We spent most of the day outside, either playing together or me drawing while she napped next to me - she has a blanket on the floor outside, but she seems to prefer the hard floor!

In the studio, she loves to curl herself around my feet and the legs of my office chair, and I have to be really careful not to readjust my position or move the chair in case I run her over with the wheels! She has lots of dreams, with her little legs going like mad and tiny yips. And she has a great snore! See the video below - make sure you put the sound on!

We think Lucy’s going to be a really quick learner. She’s already getting to know her name, and I’ve been teaching her “Lucy come” and “Lucy sit” in very brief sessions — she’s doing so well at both. I’ve also been teaching her to “dry your face” after she’s had a drink, and I was so surprised this morning to see her voluntarily put her face down on the cloth and hold it there straight after a big drink. She did it again a couple more times, although she then started chewing on the cloth and tossing it around! Apparently drink = playtime with the cloth!

It’s been a full, joyful few days, and we’re already completely smitten!

There will be plenty more stories as Lucy settles in and grows - check in regularly for updates!