THREE months ago I wrote about the non-stop nagging, the heart-string pulling and the attempts at bribery.
I shared the lengths my eldest son has gone to in a bid to persuade me we needed a puppy in our lives.
For years he has told me his greatest dream was to have a dog. Well, last week he found out that dreams do come true.
Our family expanded by four feet, well four paws really, as a little ball of yellow fur bounded her way into our lives and our hearts.
Having spent years of contemplating bringing a dog back into our home, making that final decision to get a puppy actually came quite swiftly.
Over dinner a fortnight ago, I shared with my family that I had seen an advert for six adorable Labrador pups looking for their forever homes.
We had had such conversations dozens of times before, but I had never actually picked up the phone or plucked up the courage to properly enquire about bringing a dog into our family once again, four years after the death of our beloved Mac.
But this time I did and a quick call to the owner revealed there were four pups left.
Having initially told the man on the other end of the phone we would come to see the eight-week-old pups later that weekend, within an hour we were on the road to his house.
It was dark by the time we arrived and as we stood waiting outside, my three boys bursting with excitement, out bounded six beautiful, friendly, playful pups all eager for attention.
Choosing a puppy is a big moment, adding that fur ball to the family is a big commitment and we were all overwhelmed by the cute, fluffy, floppy, big-eyed, clumsy dogs at our feet.
After getting over the hurdle of looking at a litter of puppies, life then got even trickier - almost impossible - as we looked at the chubby, squirming little dogs and realised we had to choose one.
All puppies are adorable and pretty much irresistible, but I knew that by adding one to our family we were actually adding a dog for life - for he or she would be with us for up to 15 years.
That's a big chunk of time, and a serious commitment. Caring for them can take a lot of time, money and energy - knowing that sacrifices will have to be made in order to be a good pet guardian.
That night, one little pup just stood out.
The last female puppy left in the litter, she took an instant liking to my middle son. She appeared healthy with a soft temperament and it was love at first sight for my boys.
Just five days later and the little pup - who we have named Macy - was at our home.
I expected the worst, the chewed up shoes, the holes in the boys' clothes and the biting. And while it's still early days, we're loving every minute of it.
The boys are learning responsibility and commitment - they love her already and I can see she will become an animal of devotion, loyalty and friendship for us all.
Anyone who has ever loved a dog can attest to the return they provide - that excitement when you come home, the delight in the tossing of a ball with them in the garden and their head nestled in your lap - just some rewards of being a dog owner.
Having a pet means the life and well-being of another living thing is in our hands. No matter how much we change, we need to keep a place open in our hearts for the animals who depend on us.
Owning a dog is not just a responsibility, it's a privilege. And an added bonus is that my boys' now do really believe that dreams can come true.
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Competition
The Wedding Journal Show returns to the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast on October 1 and 2 with an action packed all-new show.
With over 300 of Northern Ireland’s top wedding suppliers and businesses under one roof, this really is a wedding show not to be missed.
Couples will have the chance to win a 'Honeymoon like a Celebrity' at the show- a once-in-a-lifetime luxury honeymoon to Scrub Island in the Caribbean.
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The renowned International Bridal Catwalk will run three times daily featuring the very latest wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ gowns, occasion wear and grooms-wear from world-renowned designers and manufactures.
Wedding Journal Show visitors will also have the opportunity to talk to wedding industry experts about every aspect of their wedding day, from venues and stationery, to cakes and cars, that all-important honeymoon and a lot more besides.
For further information, please visit WeddingJournalOnline.com and tickets can also be purchased at the door.
I have 10 pairs of tickets to the show on October 1 or 2 to give away. For your chance to win a pair, simply email your name, address and telephone number - along with the answer to the question below - to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday September 27 at noon.
(Q) In what venue will The Wedding Journal Show take place in Belfast next month?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot!
Breast Cancer - Check out the range of Tickled Pink products by Asda in support of art of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. For every Tickled Pink product sold, a donation is made to both Breast Cancer Now and Breast Cancer Care to help continue their world class research and invaluable support work for the thousands of men and women affected by the disease.
Autumn ready - Get the kids ready for Autumn in Marks & Spencer’s brand new range of denim clothing. Take on the seasonal temperature drop in a long sleeve denim shirt, perfect when teamed with a chunky scarf to keep them wrapped up from the chilly weather. Or add some fun to their wardrobe with a pair of embroidered, ripped-knee jeans.
What's Not!
Shock split - Angelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt after 12 years together and requested custody of their six children. The actress filed papers citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
Name change - Katie Price has revealed her daughter is dropping her father Peter's surname to build up her career. Her daughter is just nine-years-old. The Loose Women star said 'Princess Price will be her stage name'.
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Competition winners
The winners of last week's Lime Crime goodie bags are S Leckey from Dunmurry, Noelle O’Hanlon from Middletown and Cathy McCartan from Benburb.
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week's Easy Peasy Recipe is Scotch Eggs with Ballymaloe Relish.
You will need:
450g (1lb) sausage meat
6 hard-boiled or semi-hard boiled eggs
1 tbsp freshly chopped herbs, e.g parsley, chives, thyme
½ tsp English mustard
1 beaten egg
Seasoned flour
Dry, white breadcrumbs (not too fine)
Oil for deep frying
To make:
Bring saucepan of water to the boil and out in the eggs carefully.
Bring back to the boil and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
Pour off the water and cover with cold water. The time depends on whether a runny or hard boiled yolk is required.
Mix fresh herbs and mustard thoroughly through the sausage meat and divide into 6 even-sized pieces.
Put a piece of sausage meat onto a floured board and flatten with your hand into an oval shape, large enough to cover an egg.
Shape the sausage meat around the peeled egg with your hands, making sure the egg is evenly coated and there are no cracks.
Cover the rest of the eggs in the same way and roll the eggs in seasoned flour, beaten egg and coat them with breadcrumbs.
Heat the oil for deep-frying (medium heat, 180°C/ 350°F) making sure it is deep enough to cover the eggs.
Lower the Scotch eggs into the oil and fry for 5-6 minutes. Lift them out and drain on the kitchen paper.
Serve warm with a green salad and Ballymaloe Relish.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Suzanne McGonagle,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
s.mcgonagle@irishnews.com
