I have been living back onboard for a year now! I can't believe how fast that has flown by. Lots of changes but good ones.
First big change was finally getting a dog back in my life again. I have always wanted another dog since losing my lovely Bobby some years back. I decided to go down the rescue route rather than a puppy as there are so many dogs out there needing a good home. Once I googled rescue dogs I was inundated with dogs popping up all over the place on my feed. Then a picture of a dog came up that I instantly wanted.
Kona was in Romania! I messaged the rescue, Kiki's Paw, straightaway to enquire about fostering this little girl. I wanted to foster first to make sure it was right for both of us, especially Kona.
Kiki's Paw couldn't have been more helpful, everybody I dealt with were so lovely. They had never had anyone who lived on a narrowboat applying to rescue so it was all new to both sides. They had lots of questions as I did and it was lovely that they didn't just turn me down because I lived on a boat!
I had to give them lots of information about the boat and the surrounding area to ensure Kona would be safe. I had to send videos of the boat and the marina. Their screening was very thourough and rightly so, the welfare for Kona was paramount. This is what really impressed me abot Kiki's they really wanted to know everything to ensure Kona would be coming to a home that was safe.
I in the meantime was beyond excited! I was nervous wondering if I was doing the right thing but I couldn't wait to meet her and was keeping everything crossed that my application would be successful.
The day I got the message to say I could foster Kona with a view to adopting her I was ecstatic and terrified all at the same time! I had to wait a few weeks for transport and all her paperwork to be put in order, I then got a date that she would be arriving, 20th August! For me it couldn't come quick enough!
I was advised that Kiki's couldn't give an exact arrival time as Kona wasn't the only dog being brought over from Romania. There was a possibility that she could arrive early hours in the morning and she did. Kona arrived at 1:30 am I met the van at the marina gate and Kona was passed to me with all her paperwork. I thanked the lovely people who had brought her and carried a very shutdown Kona to the boat.
Kona was everything I hoped she would be, she was adorable. My heart went out to her as she was so nervous and apprehensive. I gave her space and let her go at her pace. I had laid training pads out all through the boat for any accidents. It was just as well I did as Kona did the biggest wee and poo, she must have been holding it all in for hours but from that night she has never ever made a mess in the boat, bless her.
So life with Kona began. I knew more or less immediately that she was going to be a foster fail as I was never letting her go. I could see the potential in her to be a very special little dog and she hasn't disappointed!
It's been nine months now since I got Kona and I have to say as nervous as I was about my decision to get another dog I couldn't be happier! She has been a work in progress as to begin with she was so nervous of everything. It made me really sad to see her tail tucked right under her she was so scared of everything that was new to her.
Fast forward to today and she has come on in leaps and bounds! No more tucked tail it's held high like a furry flag! She is absolutely loving life as I am with her. She has taken to her new home on the boat amazingly well as if she was born to it. I have to say adopting her has been the best decision ever. She has a cheeky side which I love and she is hell bent on catching a duck!! We go on lots of walks which is good for her and for me!
The Marina and surrounding countryside is perfect for a dog and Kona is a happy little girl and loves her 4 walks a day especially through the nearby woodland which we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. I had never really explored the woods before I got Kona but it's so lovely following the paths through the trees especially this time of year with all the trees bursting into life, the bluebells and the carpet of wild garlic in full flower it's magical. We also have Southport to explore with it's parks and seafront so all in all it's lovely having everything so close.
I have slotted back into boat life quite easily as it is a lifestyle I love, being retired too makes it even better. I can't believe how many people said I would be bored being retired! Not one day to date have I been bored! There is so much to do but doing it at my own pace makes it all the more special. Being able to spend more days out with my Mum and family is lovely and socialising with friends.
I have found since being retired I forget what day it is quite often which I think is really funny but then everyday feels like a weekend! The Marina and boat have always given me the feeling of being on holiday and that feeling has never really faded which is lovely. When I come through the electric gates into the marina I immediatley relax. It's so peaceful and laid back here. Once I drive through those gates and they close behind me all the hustle and bustle is left behind and I can fully unwind.
Life is really good right now. It was hard for a while all things considered but I am truly happy again. Alan has been coming to the boat and helping me with jobs which I am very grateful for and we are getting on really well with lots of laughs along the way and after all that's as life should be. Kona has taken to Alan too which is good, could be due to the fact he spoils her! We have always cared deeply for each other and still do, so lookng forward instead of back is the way to go.
I haven't written a blog for a while but a certain person keeps asking me to, so Judy I dedicate this blog to you!
Not sure how long it will be before I write another as I am busy enjoying life, but never say never....
