It's A Dog's Life: Moving House

Tuesday, 1 September 2020 15:59

By Helen Stockton

‘Junior Him’ is moving and it’s a busy time for the whole family. Teddy’s on paw though with his own method of stress therapy

My family have recently had a moving experience. By this I don’t mean they’ve been on the receiving end of an emotional epiphany, just that ‘Junior Him’ has purchased his first flat after years of renting.

Now, as a first-time buyer with a mortgage agreed in principle prior to reservation of the new-build property, ‘Them Indoors’ thought the process might be relatively simple. However, this was not to be.

It is 15 years since they last moved themselves, an experience notable for the 18 months and 50 odd viewings it took to get a buyer, and the breakdown of the removal lorry on the big day resulting in the whole journey taking place in first and second gear.

Still, it’s heartening to know that in the intervening time, nothing has really improved, and moving is still up there with serious illness, death and divorce as one of life’s big stressful events.

As a dog, my experience of relocating is somewhat limited. When my previous owner was taken into hospital for the final time, and I came to live with ‘Them Indoors’, my bed, bowls, food and toys were bundled into a friend’s car, and I was dropped round with my belongings.

There was no financial vetting, surveys or estate agents; I just took up residence. As another famous furry puts it, ‘simples!’

Yet people moving is clearly far more complicated. Firstly, there was an interesting survey that highlighted a risk of flooding from ground water. As the property in question is a third floor flat in Croydon, ‘Them Indoors’ were wondering if they’d missed the reports of an impending tidal wave engulfing all of south London.

Then there was the delay in exchange and completion caused by an incorrect postcode (haven’t they heard of Tippex?) and, as a final coup de gras, a five hour wait for keys on moving day, due to the vendor’s solicitors forgetting to tell the local office that completion was imminent.

My role throughout was to lend a sympathetic ear, ideally for rubbing, and allowing them to stroke me to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, all useful stuff.

On moving day, I stayed with friends, Ann and Peter; kind, dog-loving people, who enjoy my visits and treat me like royalty. However, within five minutes of arriving I gave a prompt answer to ‘What have you got there Teddy?’ by accidentally killing a fluffy, baby bird who fluttered unwisely under my paw.

Still, with the value of hindsight, ‘Her Indoors’ could see that the sacrifice of an innocent to vast and incomprehensible wider forces, was justly symbolic of the moving process as a whole.

However, ‘Junior Him’ is now happily ensconced in his new abode, and I, like the queen, have my very own London pad should I feel the need to invoke my visiting rights.

Whilst I’m happy to grace his flat with my presence, I’m not taking up permanent residence. I’m definitely not indulging in this moving business anytime soon, it’s far too stressful.

More from Animals

It’s a Dog’s Life: Let it Snow... Somewhere Else

With the festive season fast approaching, Teddy ponders on the vagaries of the weather at Christmas, as explained by Helen Stockton, his human translator
It's a Dog's Life: Foods are Seasonal, Treats are Perennial

Despite enduring health and weight checks at the vets, Teddy still enjoys a treat when the opportunity arises, as his human interpreter, Helen Stockton explains
It's a Dog's Life: World Animal Day

As autumn approaches, Teddy ruminates on the changing season and his human translator, Helen Stockton, puts it into plain words
It's A Dog's Life: Never Assume...

Teddy reveals that dogs, much like their human companions, are individuals with different likes and dislikes, as explained by human interpreter Helen Stockton
Fostering Happiness at Raystede

Could fostering an animal with Raystede offer the joys of owning a pet without the financial and logistical commitment? Hanna Lindon investigates
It's a Dog's Life: Why So Much Sport?

This year’s summer of sport has been a testing time for Teddy! His human translator, Helen Stockton explains why
It's a Dog's Life: A Partly Political Broadcast

As the nation heads to the polls for the General Election, Teddy ponders the policies he would like to see introduced, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains...
It's a Dog's Life: Our Hobbies are Not the Same

Hobbies are subjective, what entertains some, may be a bore to others. Teddy ponders on his own interests, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains
It's a Dog's Life: Our Currency is Biscuits

Teddy explains, through his human interpreter Helen Stockton, that currency transactions are not financial ones made through a bank as far as he is concerned...
It's a Dog's Life: Teddy & the Dragon

Teddy has been musing on the origins of national credentials and that the truth of the matter could be quite different to any literal interpretation, as his human translator Helen Stockton explains
Paws for a Cause

Sussex-based animal charity Raystede has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals for over 70 years. Hanna Prince visits its Sussex site to find out more
Kids Zone: Lambing in Spring

Tap into the super cute side of spring with a visit to some frisking newborn lambs, suggests Sara Whatley
It's a Dog's Life: Access Denied

Although he's not allowed everywhere, Teddy tells his human interpreter Helen Stockton that he's actually OK with that
It's a Dog's Life: February is not just for Pancakes

Teddy has discovered that the month of February is far from uneventful – with many special days to recognise and celebrate, as his human interpreter Helen Stockton explains
It's a Dog's Life: Cleaning Up

The annual January household clean up makes Teddy feel a bit anxious. Helen Stockton, his human translator, explains that Teddy isn't the greatest fan of cleanliness
Top 10 Garden Birds to spot in Sussex

Alice Johnson from the RSPB describes some of the species of birds you might see during the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this January
Top Tips: Keep Your Pets Safe this Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is just around the corner. A night of fireworks and celebrations, it's fun for us, but not always for our pets.
Advertising Feature: Plan Bee

Advertising Feature: The relationship between bees and humans dates back thousands of years, so its reassuring to know that Carl Slade is making beekeeping easier for both the novice and experienced apiarist; we sent Robert Veitch to meet him.
It’s a Dog’s Life - The Quiet Life

Teddy is looking forward to a chilled out month of rest and relaxation, hopefully with some sunshine to bathe in, as Helen Stockton, his human translator explains.
What should you be looking out for in your Sussex Garden this Summer?

A Sussex garden is not only a place of beauty and tranquility but also a haven for a diverse range of captivating wildlife. We have complied a list of some of the wildlife that you’re most likely to see in your garden this summer:

It's A Dog's Life: Moving House

Share

More from Animals