The Adoption Papers

My papers to formally adopt Duchess were received and subjected for review.  Within a few days, I received a telephone call from The Rescue with good news.  I was told that it was apparent that Duchess and I would be a good fit and so it was suggested that she and I should meet and that my home be inspected for suitability.  Her foster person was willing to bring her to my home and see if she and I got along and decide if my home was indeed suitable for her. And so a date for The State Visit was arranged!

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While waiting for The State Visit to take place, I received a very pertinent photograph of Duchess which would have a marked effect on my thinking.

Her Grace The Grand Duchess in Her Coach(!)

Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996) – (You’d Be So) Easy to Love – written in 1934 by Cole Porter (1891-1964)
for the musical Anything Goes – and recorded in 1956

When I saw this photograph of Duchess strapped into her bed in a car, I could not help feel that she looked both beautiful and aristocratic. It was evident that she had great charm and would easily win the hearts of those that met her, and now including mine. And from that moment, I decided that she needed a grand name to reflect her obvious attributes (of which, I am sure, are many!). And so I set about finding a name that would befit such a splendid lady and Grand Dame such as she! After careful thought, I decided on a name that would indeed grace a Duchess! But I will return to this subject a little later.

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Duchess was to be escorted to my home and to arrive at approximately lunch time on Friday, the 25th July, 2024. She arrived seated in her bed that had been placed on a seat of the car belonging to her foster mother (see photograph above).

I was overwhelmed by her obvious beauty and charm, as so many have been both before and since!  I had not imaged such a delightful little lady despite having seen some photographs. I immediately fell under her spell.

Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) – Witchcraft
written by Cy Coleman (1929-2004) & Carolyn Leigh (1926-1983)
and with Orchestration by Nelson Riddle (1921-1985) and recorded in 1957 

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When Duchess was carried out of her coach and placed on my driveway, she greeted me with a bark! However, she allowed me to greet her with a pat on her head and a stroke and then she graciously accepted a tiny treat from me.

After the making of our initial acquaintance, Duchess began to explore the front garden which evidently met with her approval. One thing that I noticed was that since she was small – much smaller than Casanova/Puppy – she was able walk under the chairs on my porch along with the table. She spent some time beneath each chair – perhaps she thought that these would make a nice hiding place in the future.

Exploring and Resting in the Front Garden

Duchess seemed to enjoy wandering around the front garden and placing her nose into a great number of places that were once familiar to Casanova/Puppy. It was a delight to watch her exploring and trotting about and apparently enjoying herself. What I found amazing was that despite her small size, and in particular her tiny paws, she was able to move with remarkable speed.

Matt Monro (1930-1985) – My Kind of Girl (1961)

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When her preliminary exploration of the front garden was over, Duchess was invited into the house. As I did with Casanova/Puppy when he came to live with me, I had opened the doors of all rooms and cupboards so that she could see what was inside.  She entered the house and looked around and then began her tour. She began by wandering around the sitting room. Again, as she had outside, she walked under objects that were unavailable to Casanova/Puppy. I noticed that her size was going to stop her from climbing up onto the couch, which was unfortunate.  Following this, she moved into the kitchen and inspected it. She especially seemed to like the long mat that I have in front of my sink and work areas.

Finally, she moved into the corridor leading to the bed- and bathrooms. She enjoyed looking in the bedrooms and had fun going under the beds.

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Later, when her inspection of both the front and back gardens along with the house were over, and seemingly to her satisfaction, she graciously accepted a second treat from me!

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Duchess next seated herself on the floor and looked content. Her foster mother said that it was evident that Duchess would be happy in my home and with me. And with that she went to her car and brought back the things that Duchess had brought with her – her treasures.

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It seems to me that dogs need little to feel happy. However, most of all they need to feel safe and Duchess was no different. They also like to have a few possessions that can be few in number, but essential to make them feel at home. Her treasures consisted of a little bed that was covered with green material with white pawprint motif. In addition, there was a soft and fleecy blanket and a toy. Her toy was a purple hippopotamus or rhinoceros, I am unsure which, but more likely a rhinoceros. She also brought a purple collar and a lead (leash), a little pink daisy that was attached to her collar along with a tiny bell that jingled when she walked. Finally, there was a small necklace of glass beads.

Duchess’ Treasures

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Duchess next allowed me to pick her up and hold her on my lap while stroking her. This was the final test.  To be honest, and somewhat selfish of me, I was pleased that she lacked teeth (please forgive this), as I was once bitten by a dog as a child, and so have a certain timidness when it comes to dogs I do not know. However, Duchess made no attempt to bite – I am glad to say! – and soon we became friends.

Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) – I’ve Got You Under My Skin (1936) written by Cole Porter (1891-1964)
and with Orchestration by Nelson Riddle (1921-1985) and recorded in 1956 

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Her foster mother said that she thought that Duchess and myself would be happy together. She then said her goodbyes to Duchess and me and then quietly left, leaving Duchess with me.

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