2nd October - 21st October
Sowerby Bridge
Two weeks ago, Kieran and I welcomed a very special new member to our little boat-dwelling family. We’re very excited to introduce you all to Jim.
Jim is a 5 year-old ex-racing greyhound who we were beautifully trusted to adopt by one of Kieran’s friends. We met him on Friday 4th October and took him home on Sunday 6th October. It was a very quick turnaround but really there was no discussion necessary.
Well, that’s not entirely true. Those of you who know Kieran and I well will know that we have been discussing rescuing a dog for ages and ages. It was a big plan for us when we moved onto the boat and knew we’d be around more often with working from home etc. We didn’t exactly envisage that we’d be adopting a dog quite as big as Jim…but when we heard he was looking for a new home we absolutely jumped at the opportunity to welcome him onboard. As soon as we met him, sitting on a bench in Russel Square with him looking soppily up at us, we knew there was no chance we wouldn't be taking him home. We’re so grateful to his previous humans for giving him so much love and entrusting us with his care, it’s truly an honour to keep him safe and warm every day. We feel like we’ve been welcomed into a secret greyhound club - they’re unlike any other dogs I’ve ever met but everyone can agree they’re such gorgeous beings!
He is such a calm soul (most of the time!) and we spent the first week at my parents’ house getting to know each other. We had a very interesting first 24 hours with him, involving a trip to the vet to have some stitches removed following a short operation on a cut paw that he’d had a few weeks previously. It was heartbreaking hearing him yelp and look so nervous and we questioned whether he’d ever trust us again…. but once he’d eaten breakfast as soon as we got home it was like the whole episode hadn’t happened - phew! After a week of adjusting and bonding, we shook things up again (bless him) and jumped in the car to drive him up to Old Meg. As soon as he was through the door he was up on our bed making himself comfortable, and really his days are spent oscillating between there and the sofa. He bonded so wonderfully to my parents and I think really missed them when they left.
He’s gone from being extremely nervous when going outside to hopping on and off the boat no problem - as long as it’s not raining or dark outside in which case he needs a bit of extra encouragement! He’s also getting used to the fact that his home moves regularly and what’s outside his front door can change from day to day.
We can’t believe that we’ve been lucky enough to be matched with the perfect dog - the universe truly worked it’s magic this time around. He’s lived on a boat before, has been vegan previously, has travelled Europe in a van, loves a hike (not a given with greyhounds!), is great on public transport, loves people and other dogs, was previously a loving housemate to a small kitten, welcomes anyone into his home, makes himself at home anywhere… we’re so excited for our adventures with him to unfold. We’ve quickly learnt that it’s Jim’s world and we’re just living in it. He knows his own mind and can be extremely stubborn, but he can sometimes be persuaded with the shake of a treat bag!
He’s settling in more and more each day, his goofy personality revealing itself in the sweetest ways. Cuddling up with him has definitely made it harder to get out of bed in the mornings and sometimes he’s made it harder to get into bed in the evenings…
We’ve been spent the last week chilling out around Sowerby Bridge - starting new jobs and welcoming Jim on to the boat all in one week, we felt it was best to stay in one place for a while! We’ll be here another few weeks while we wait on the boatyard to have space to fix our leaky windows. In the meantime, we’re getting our coolant system looked at as it’s filling up too quickly with the engine running, meaning we can’t fully charge our batteries or cruise for more than an hour.
We were excited to have Kieran’s Mum stay over the weekend. It was so special showing her the boat and of course introducing her to Jim. They formed a very close bond over the days she was with us. The four of us took a short cruise to Salterhebble, a basin just up the canal, and walked along the river, basking in the golden October sunlight and the rich colours of the autumn leaves. October has been glorious so far and I’m trying to soak in each second of it as the colours will have faded before I know it otherwise. My favourite time of year, particularly special this year.
Jim is so adorable! Those eyes! I wish we’d gotten to meet him. Toby will be relieved to know you have a cozy, warm body to cuddle up to this winter.
Hope all the repairs go well. It seems like the camper with things always needing fixing but overall much more simple than a big house and yard to maintain. Love that you can get a new yard whenever you want.
Beautiful Jim! What a fantastic addition to the family and boat life ❤️ xxx