Introducing Albert Claude Maxwell
Six years ago today I drove to the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre to meet Twinkle for the first time. It was eighteen months on from adopting Susie-Belle and the time was right to bring into our home another companion for us all. As life continues, it seems almost incredible that it was six years ago, and in that time we’ve lost Susie-Belle but gained Cerise; Twinkle has morphed from a terrified, traumatised dog into an almost mellow, definitely content-in-her-world, confident, but just with us, dog. It has been quite a journey we’ve been on with her, and as she slows up and her fourteen-plus years of age begin to show, we open a new chapter in Twinkle Berry’s story this weekend.
Twinkle and her sisters will be joined by this fellow, Albert Claude Maxwell, their first brother and I have no doubt at all, their new best friend. Albert’s young, just 6 months and has had a bad start in life about which I’ll write more soon. For now, we’re looking forward to helping him put his rough beginnings behind him as soon as he arrives with us in France early next week. Twinkle has always enjoyed male canine company; a friend of ours once called her Twinkle Berry Tart as her stumpy tail twitched vigorously as she bounced around his boys at a time when spirited, playfulness was never seen with Twinkle. Boys bring out a sparkle in Twinkle even now as she ambles around at her old-lady pace, whenever we happen to meet any, here in our quiet community.
Cerise has a strong playful streak, unfortunately held back by her deep-seated anxiety and emotional scars. But over the past few months, following some useful work we’ve been doing with our specialist vet here, she’s progressing every day and her emotional state is far more stable and her happiness is becoming clearer. It’s a great thing to see her full character beginning to flourish, finally, and to witness her letting herself go, where for 3 years her own barriers of fear have been firmly in place. Albert I’m sure will be a delightful, fun anchor for her in a daily world of playful happiness.
Renae will be as Renae always is, she’ll welcome her new brother, she’ll teach him, love him and play with him I am certain. Our quiet household may be a little less quiet and it will be very nice indeed. The time is right to bring another dog into our family and Renae and I are heading to the UK tomorrow, to see our friends at DBARC who have been caring for Albert since he arrived with them a couple of weeks ago. Renae will be the best travelling companion both for me and Albert Claude and as it will all be very new to him, she will provide comfort and confidence if he wobbles a bit.
So, almost 6 years to the day that Twinkle whirled into our world in an overwhelming state of fear and anxiety, Albert Claude next Tuesday will meet his new sisters when we arrive back in France to begin a new chapter in our life. One which I look forward to sharing.
