LUNA
Sally Newman
Blenheim Palace
21 x 29 cm
Luna was the quiet one at the back when we first met her. She was described to us as the ‘chilled one’ of the litter. I am not sure what happened to that as ever since she arrived in our home, she has been absolutely bonkers! A delight to be around, she is bouncy, waggy and always wanting a cuddle. Known to those who love her as ‘Mrs Lollop’, this is a very apt alt-name. Looking at her pelting joyously towards you when she sees you, tongue and ears flying, luxuriant locks blowing in the wind… the Chariots of Fire theme song is not far from your mind. She loves kissing your ears when she’s missed you; this is not always something that is appreciated by our visitors, but she likes it so hey ho!
Luna has the loveliest personality and loves chatting to my daughter in dog-speak. It might sound like howling to an outsider, but we know what she means – and it means a lot. Luna is the sibling my daughter always wanted but never had, her one true playmate and companion. They are inseparable.
Cocker spaniels are usually described as ‘impish’. How true this is. She loves to eat, particularly things that she is not supposed to – carpets, flooring and many other things have all fallen victim to her greedy Cocker chops. We were particularly delighted that our stair carpet fell victim almost as soon as she arrived.
And our poor garden, oh my. Luna, it must be said, is the Great Destroyer of Gardens, wreaking devastation on all flora and fauna that come within chomping distance. Oh, how she loves to dig up all our new plants, chew them to shreds and bite off tall plants at ground level, carrying the broken stems proudly in her mouth around the garden.
But she gets away with it because she is a beauty and receives many compliments. A friend of ours said she cannot look at her without thinking of Cindy Crawford and, yes, it is true, the resemblance is remarkable! I’m not sure Cindy Crawford would thank us for saying so, but looking at Luna with her long, luxuriant ombré locks blowing in the wind, the big, warm brown eyes and the little beauty mark to the side of the mouth… well, I can’t help but agree! A veritable superdoggle who won’t get out of bed for less than a thousand doggy treats.
Having Luna in our lives has opened up a whole new world to us. A cliché but true. She has so many other dog friends and through walking her we have made a whole new friendship group. The dog owners of Woodstock are lovely people – they will always stop for a chat and to find out more about your dog. We have really come to appreciate the warmth of the community and the world around us has become a friendlier place. All because of Luna.
Sally Newman