Self-Care A Thon - Day 12

(Yes, sorry, I missed a day. Girl's gotta work right?)

Anyway, so today's theme is ANIMALS. And boy am I excited to do this one.

I love animals. I always have. I love dogs, cats, horses. I love big animals. I love small animals. As long as they have 4 legs, it can safely be said I love them.

But there are 2 particular little four-legged creatures who I absolutely adore. They belong to one of the friends I sing with, and even though it wasn't love at first sight (for them, not me, obviously) I love them more than anything and miss them like crazy!

Below is the first day I met Mia. I first met her nearly 4 or so years ago. She came in to work with my friend, and the minute I held her in my arms, I knew I was hooked on wawas. I'd always been more of a fan of big dogs... but these little guys are so great. She visited the office a few times, and she even helped me do my work.

When I first met Cookie, he didn't like me. As any normal dog would do, he was protecting his human from me, which is completely fair enough. I mean, I am a menace... He even went for my leg on more than one occasion and didn't trust me at all. But I used patience. Second time he met me, he wasn't as snappy but still wouldn't let me near him. Third time, I managed to have a kiss and a belly scratch. Fourth time... with the help of chicken nuggets, I was part of the clan. From then on, I have been known as Chicken Nugget Lady.

Now, we've had many adventures. They come to us on their holidays, we go see them for coffees, we go for walks in the park. Oh, and their owner. Obviously.

There have been so many times when these guys have made me feel so much better. I had a bad day at work last year, when my boss announced he was leaving, and it really made me upset because he'd taught me loads and I was worried... Anyway, I came home and the wawas could tell I was upset. I scooped Mia up in a hug and sat on the floor, Cookie climbed on my lap and we all just sat on the floor in a snuggle. Within minutes I felt better. But just to be sure, and to make sure the snuggles went to full effect, we snuggled all evening watching TV after a long walk. Chihuahua films, obviously. The 6th picture in the gallery below (second row, furthest right) is the snuggle. Cookie even held my hand.

They have amazing little personalities, they do tricks (Cookie even knows karate), they make the weirdest noises and they love the strangest things. But most importantly, and this is the thing I love most, once you're part of their clan, they give you all the love and snuggles in the world.

I know so many people who don't like chihuahuas because they're yappy or they have weird eyes or that they're just handbag dogs. They're not. I'm a chihuahua convert. Because these guys are best. Yes, they yap, and they scare the living daylights out of us when they do so, but the love is all worth it. Trust me.