My Name is Lilly — I’m a Dog

Well, THE dog, actually! I asked my dad to write about me.

Greetings! My name is Lilly. I’m a Miniature Fox Terrier cross, and I’m eight years old.

I noticed that there were other stories on here about dogs and cats, so I asked my dad if he would publish my story as well.

Mum and dad took me home from the RSPCA animal shelter back in 2012. I was only a few months old then.

It was a busy household. Seven humans, two cats, and my best friend and step-sister Jessie.

I loved Jess! Jess was an Australian Bulldog cross. She was my constant companion, and we did everything together.

Jess was badly mistreated as a puppy. Her owners wanted her to hunt pigs, but she was too gentle for that, so they kept her chained up in horrible conditions all the time. The RSPCA rescued her and charged her owners. And then mum and dad brought her home.

Jess passed away in 2017. I missed her badly for a long time.

And there was also my coolest cat buddy, Isis. Even though he was a cat, he liked to hang out with Jess and me. He’d let me cuddle up to him sometimes.

Then there was Chancy, Queen of the Known Universe.

Alas, although I extended the paw of friendship on many occasions, Chancy never liked me. Or the other animals.

If we went near her, she would hiss, arch her back, and then stalk off in high dudgeon. She was with dad before the rest of us arrived, and I don’t think she ever forgave us for invading her territory.

Sadly, Isis and Chancy have both passed away as well. I miss them all. Even Chancy.

These days, it’s just mum, dad, and me. The other humans all got big and went to live in different houses. We have to stay in the car for a long time when we go to see them.

But, even though I don’t have my other animal friends, I love my life a lot.

I’m getting on a bit, so I don’t mind the odd nap. I restrict myself to seven or eight naps a day, so it’s all good. There is a spare bed in dad’s office where I can chill out but still supervise his work in between naps.

And, every afternoon, the most joyous thing happens. Mum comes home from work! I get super excited. I bounce and talk!

What do I love most in the world? Walks with mum and dad! So many things to sniff. Other dogs to meet. So cool!

This is my boyfriend, Axel. Isn’t he dreamy?

Axel is a Belgian Shepherd. He lives with the girl human who used to live with us but now has her own house and boy human and baby human.

Whenever I go with mum and dad to visit, I follow Axel everywhere! I can’t take my eyes off him. He doesn’t know he’s my boyfriend yet, but I’m sure he’ll work it out in the end.

Anyway, gotta go!

Mum just picked up my lead and is putting her shoes on.

Walk time!

Dad asked me to keep still for the photo. But I’m so excited that I just can’t!