Hector
This page is dedicated to Hector, our puppy. Throughout our journey, it will showcase our progress. We’ve aptly named it “Pupdates” thanks to Charlie (Kelly’s Charlie).
Friday 25 July 2025
FIRST SEARCH
Here’s the first little puppy we saw and fell in love with straight away. He was in Slough, but we were too late, he had been sold.
FIRST PURCHASE
We visited a private address in Goldaming, Surrey, to purchase our first product for setting up Hector’s home. It was a Kong pet cage, which typically costs around £60. However, we managed to get the crate, base, cover, and some training pads for just £35 from a lady called Megan.
Saturday 26 July 2025
SECOND PUPPY
Still looking online, we stumbled upon this one, in Chatteris, near Cambridge. The breeder seems fairly new but is registered with pets4homes. This little chap is the last of two of a litter, with one other (female). We expressed our interest with the breeder, Tony S. and waited for him to contact us. It was scheduled that we meet them in a video call the next morning.
Sunday 27 July 2025
We have pulled out from viewing the puppy in Chatteris, after discussing it with Elaine Bruton, Neil’s Mum. She has a vast knowledge and experience as an ex-breeder and Crufts show breeder.
We looked at the Creature Comforts vets in Putney where Stacey works and have registered with them. We are interested in subscribing to the All-Care plan with them, but we are going to speak to Stacey.
Furthermore, we registered with champdogs.co.uk this morning.
I mentioned to Jezz that the other breed I fell in love with, whilst walking around the local park, was a Rhodesian Ridgeback. A short-lived moment of wondering if we could cope with a miniature horse in the house, and then we went back to thinking about crossbreeds and mongrels. Here’s what we came up with:
Well, it got to around 9am, and Jezz noticed an advert for 2 remaining crossbreed Staffordshire Bull Terriers with Old English Bulldog. I know that sounds frightening, but the photo that caught our attention and hearts was this one. We made an enquiry and it opens an online chat window. Within minutes, we were arranging to see our little Hector and soon enough, we’d paid a deposit and were on our way. It was with a lady called Charlie, who was new to the Pets4Homes website. All the questions of pedigree, champion bloodline etc were gone, and we bought him around 12.30pm today. He’s home with us, so no turning back.
Day 1 – Sunday 27 July 2025
11 weeks 1 day
Day 2 – Monday 28 July 2025
11 weeks 2 days
Well now, the first night went fairly OK, certainly for me, but maybe not so well for Jezz. After a 12-minute song of whining, Hector went to sleep in his crate with the gate door shut. However, at 11.15pm, we both had to come down and see him. That lasted 4 minutes but then again, apparently at 3.15am, Jezz had to come down to him. At 5am, Jezz came down and decided to sleep next to the crate.
Hence, this morning, this was the scene:
After breakfast, and two massive poo’s, he was playful for about half an hour.
A Background Story about the name of Hector
Back in the mid 70s, there was a children’s TV programme called: “Hector’s House.” It was a glove puppet show. It originated in France and there were 78 episodes. It arrived in the UK on 9th September 1968 and was aired by the BBC.
As a small boy, my Grandmother, who raised me until I was 11, bought me a cuddly dog toy that we called Hector because he looked like Hector from the TV show, Hector’s House. During one of our house moves, I misplaced him and lost him forever. Over the years, my sister Nikki would tease me and remind me that I once had a Hector and that maybe I’d get another one one day. Knowing that she meant a dog of my own, I’ve always refused and said I would never have one. But they’ve finally beaten me down, and now I do.
Okay, day two is nearly over, and we’re all about to call it a night. Well, Hector might be calling it a 4-hour night, if we’re lucky.
FIRST TIME LEFT IN THE HOUSE ALONE (but only for 45 mins)
Jezz and I took off to Pets At Home to get some food, more training pads, a new collar, some cleaning, and training bits. Oh, and Hector’s own ID badge. (ID barrel to follow). It’s one of those engraving machines in the store that you operate yourself. So clever. See image, it is dog bone shaped. We set the 2 lines as HECTOR and ALTON using the Goudy font. The reverse side is a rainbow. Who’d have thought?
And this is the new puppy collar. It’s black leather and has gold dog bone shapes around it.
Day 3 – Tuesday 29 July 2025
11 weeks 3 days
Well now, Jezz has returned to work this morning so it was just me and Hector. We have emptied the dishwasher, put one of his towels and blankets in the tumble dryer, we’ve played in the garden, he’s done a poo and a wee there, and one more in the kitchen (right next to the training pad). We then had a long walk round the block, where he stayed in my arms, under my hoodie and with my finger through his collar. Furthermore, we saw two cats, a massive staffie across the road, quite a few noisy cars passing, and a fit bloke who came to say hello and tell us we’re gorgeous. Well, he was only talking to Hector, but I pretended.
Jezz came home from work via Pets At Home and has bought a puppy car seat, a Tote bag and small square fluffy bed, really meant for the kitchen. Oh, and a rainbow bandanna for his collar. Hahaha.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
How is it possible that I can be so cross, enough to put him back to bed and yet, three minutes later, I am hugging, cuddling and kissing him within an inch of his life. ~ Wayne
Day 4 – Wednesday 30 July 2025
11 weeks 4 days
Jezz bought a new colander for the kitchen, and we were going to throw the old one out, but it’s had a new burst of life, as soon as Hector made use of it.
Today’s new experiment was the puppy booster seat. We’d got it all set up in the front passenger seat of the car and Jezz placed him in it, and we set off for what only turned out to be a 5-minute drive around the block. It wasn’t a roaring success, but not a complete failure either. There was a lot of whining initially, and he’d settled as we were heading back. We just need to get him used to it, so he doesn’t get stressed. We’re learning all the time. Zoe mentioned that she wished she’d exposed Buddy to the car more when he was younger because now he suffers with car sickness.
Day 5 – Thursday 31 July 2025
11 weeks 5 days
The best night so far. Between Jake and Jezz’s idea, it really helped to soothe Hector by talking to him through the webcam we had set up in the room, not the one directly above his crate.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
Would someone please explain to me what is going on with my body when, on five separate occasions now, the first one in front of Jezz, that I have involuntarily burst into tears with sheer affection and love for my little poo making machine? ~ Wayne
This morning I thought I’d install another camera directly above his crate. It works. In night vision and of course, very well, during the day, too.
Today, as well as Nik popping in, Stacey called round with Ted. Stacey is our ‘go to’ for all animal needs. She’s a qualified vet and is unstoppable with sound advice and guidance.
Jezz came home from work, via TK Maxx and bought lots more goodies, another chew toy for his teeth, a tug o’ war toy, a new food bin for his dry food, new duo matching bowel set, another lick mat for evening dinner. Hmm. It certainly slowed him down, which is a good thing because he ate so fast.
Another first
Today, Jezz peeled and cubed an apple, following Stacey’s advice that he can eat apples and carrots freely.
This is the food bin Jezz bought for Hector’s dry food. It remains to be seen whether it’s actually Hector-proof or not.
Day 6 – Friday 1 August 2025
11 weeks 6 days
Crying out in the night
Last night was the most successful ‘through the night’ yet. Hector wakes up every 3-4 hours, but he can easily fall back asleep if left alone. He usually lets us know between each cycle with a whine and short cry, which can sound distressing, especially if you’re not used to it. Initially, we would go downstairs to comfort him and check his bedding. However, since we installed the second camera directly above his crate, we can now check his bedding and decide whether to leave him or go downstairs. Generally, it comes down to the timing. If he continues to whine for more than 30 minutes, we’ll pop down to make sure he’s okay and reassure him that we’re only upstairs.
Training in the garden
Training his development has been quite challenging in the garden. A significant portion of the garden needs redesigning, and almost all the plants and bushes are being removed. Jezz checked on a plant identifying app, and most of what we have could be harmful, so we’ve started removing all greenery and shrubs. We’ve removed a large garden refuse sack full so far.
First bath ever
This evening, Jezz and I prepared for a shower for Hector, but we were pleasantly surprised by how well it went. Despite a few attempts to get out of the bath and what felt like him being afraid, Hector knew that with both of us loving, holding, and massaging him, he would be okay. We used a puppy shampoo by Bugalugs with a ‘baby fresh’ scent, which is an identical smell to baby powder. He smells even more stunning than before.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
I’ve just experienced whilst driving in my car, the smell of my new puppy. How is that possible? ~ Wayne
Day 7 – Saturday 2 August 2025
12 weeks (3 months)
It’s been a week. Today was the first time I needed to drop Jezz at work and leave Hector. But I came straight back home after, to do the usual morning routine: open back door, let Hector out, breakfast for both of us, mad half-hour playtime, special bonding cuddles time and then back to bed, again for both of us.
The large delivery arrived from Temu that Jezz had gone completely bonkers with ordering. But I have to say, he’s thought of everything and then some… and then a bit more. Let’s just say, only the kitchen sink is missing here. I think a photo is needed at this point.
No wait… it doesn’t stop there. This Hector’s Car Bag is mine… for my car and yes, Jezz has an identical kit bag for his car, too.
Walk Like An Egytian
Jezz and I both noticed this pose separately, while viewing the camera aptly named: Hector’s House. We’re not sure if ‘Grey’ is copying Hector or if Hector is copying ‘Grey’ but when we chatted about it later, we both said: “It’s Walk Like An Egyptian.”
Seriously, as I was creating the previous post and the poses of both Hector and Grey, I checked in on him through the camera again and snapped this:
Day 8 – Sunday 3 August 202
12 weeks 1 day
I can’t believe it’s been a week already, that Hector has been living here. And how about that, we pass through the 12 weeks old, barely noticing.
It’s all been about clearing the garden of all plants, bushes, shrubs and greenery. As mentioned before, Jezz needed to clear the garden of anything remotely harmful to Hector. He’d spent the best part of 15 years getting it to how it looked but today, that all changed. There is already a transformation at the end of the garden and it’s now just plain earth.
While Jezz was doing that, I kept Hector entertained and at one point, put his harness on him and headed out to the car. I drove to the end of the estate and I got out and held him as we walked into the park and down a pavement. We had water from his water bottle with scoop and a few special treats which seemed to keep his mind of the whining about my driving.
Over the last few days I’ve learned that one of his favourite games to play is to chase my hand from under one knee to the other. This photo may demonstrate it better. UPDATE: As his relfexes have got so fast, I’ve needed to replace my hands with toys.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
Am I now destined to a life of walking around, outdoors as well as indoors, with a pocket full of ready to use poo bags? ~ Wayne
Day 9 – Monday 4 August 2025
12 weeks 2 day
And another extremely active day for our boy. Excitement as Debbie and Jake turn up. Hector took to them both quickly and Jake and Hector were super hyper for hours. It was certainly great form the point of view that although Hector went into a new level of hyper-drive, he has never slept so solidly and deeply.
I am aware that tensions get high between Jezz and I. Where both of us are doing so much, it’s easy to miss just how much the other is doing. I am sorry for my snappiness. I will get it under control so we can spend the time enjoying having Hector in our lives. I think we both need to develop the skills appreciating one another more.
Day 11 – Wednesday 6 August 2025
12 weeks 4 days
Day 12 – Thursday 7 August 2025
12 weeks 5 days
Thanks to our hero Nikki, we were able to get away for a few hours and not have to think about treading on, catering for, giving attention to Hector. Jezz and I, along with Jake went to Brighton between 10am and 3pm. we had a nice relaxing time.
Day 13 – Friday 8 August 2025
12 weeks 6 days
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
If you ever see me reprimanding my little boy with a clenched fist, it’s not a threat to punch the little terror, it’s merely me pointing at him as I say no, but I’m keeping the finger out of sight and bite range.
Day 14 – Saturday 9 August 2025
13 weeks
Today has been a massive day for all of us… it’s been his first ever health check at a vets. We’ve registered with Creature Comforts, at the Putney practice. It was mainly because Stacey (our niece) is the Practice Manager there but in choosing Creature Comforts, Putney is the nearest branch.
Hector has been an absolute star throughout today. The journey there was excellent… he didn’t panic or whine (or more importantly, pee or poo). He was so well behaved inside the practice. He met Stacey at the entrance and Abigail at reception. We waited a very short time for Dr Emma and we all went into her consultation room. Hector was brilliant and let her do the inspection and check up without any fuss.
We came back home and had a really nice bonding afternoon, with Hector and I having a nap for an hour while Jezz watched over us.
Here’s some content of today’s adventures.
And we finally get a moment when the three of us are calm, together and on the sofa. Lovely. It lasted about 14 minutes.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
Is it ok for my passengers to be required to sit in the back of my car because Hector has his own puppy booster seat on the front passenger seat?
Day 15 – Sunday 10 August 2025
13 weeks 1 day
15 years of planting shrubs and flowers to give the garden a calming Zen theme… the arrival of our little baby shit-making machine had turned it all upside down and now we only have the shingle and water feature left.
You may remember I mentioned that Jezz bought Hector a Pride rainbow bandanna. Well, today we tried it on him. It’s rather fetching.
Also today, Amanda came over to see us and to meet Hector. As is typical of our sister, she arrived with gifts for us, but also bought gifts for Hector, a rope toy doll, some pick n mix and a frisbee-ball thrower with ball.
These are the new steps that arrived this evening. They are for Hector to climb so he can make it onto the sofa. I’m quite sure they won’t be needed for long.
Day 16 – Monday 11 August 2025
13 weeks 2 days
Hector is completely unphased by the washing machine’s 1400 spin. It might just as well be a 737 passenger airline landing in the kitchen.
And after installing the small steps for the sofa, Hector decides he has the confidence to tackle the staircase, and does so without a glitch. Cheeky f**ker. He does need to be carried back down though. It goes like this:
We tried Hector with a new toy that you put frozen treats into. This is a ball that contains chicken bone broth and some doggie biscuits. It certainly kept him quiet for a while.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
Since Hector arrived, I’ve realised no one asks how I am anymore, but instead: “How’s Hector?”
Day 17 – Tuesday 12 August 2025
13 weeks 3 days
Today didn’t start well. We had a disagreement with a pair of sliders in the garden, I had the sliders and Hector had the razor-sharp teeth.
We also had to deal with bad books, bad behaviour, and a calming technique. Eventually, both Hector and I went to our rooms.
Despite these challenges, Hector and I managed to go for a short drive to the chemist’s and back. He was well-behaved in his newly boosted car seat and equally well-behaved in the tote bag I transferred him to while we walked through the alleyway from the car park to the chemist’s.
This evening, when Jezz came home from work, the stairgate arrived just in time. It wasn’t easy, as the instructions were only drawings, not text. But we managed to put it up.
Hector’s life is definitely full of luxury. This evening, he savoured freshly cooked mackerel fillets straight from the fish counter at Waitrose. Jezz had carefully inspected them for any small bones. To complement the mackerel, he enjoyed homemade mashed potato and butternut squash. We even mixed them with his dry biscuit food. We had smoked salmon, also from the fish counter at Waitrose.
Day 18 – Wednesday 13 August 2025
13 weeks 4 days
And another photo of Hector and Grey in similar positions.
Day 19 – Thursday 14 August 2025
13 weeks 5 days
This is going to be one of my favourite photos of Hector… I just know it.
WAYNE’S THOUGHTS
While Jezz insists on sticking with the name ‘Hector.’ I, on the other hand, have taken to nick names including and not exclusive to: Heckie, Heckie-bum, Hecks, my boy, puppsy, sexy boy, oh’eck, and more to follow.
Day 20 – Friday 15 August 2025
13 weeks 6 days
Today has been one of my favourite days with Hector. He’s been so loving, non-biting, well behaved, one too many wee’s on three training newly placed training pads within 30 minutes but we covered a lot of ground and bonding moments today.
I got shaved, showered and dressed and put Hector’s harness on him and we set off in the car to go and see Jezz at work. We turned up with him in his carry bag and we met a couple of Daddy’s work mates too. Then it was back home, first via Epsom Downs and a quick cruise around the golf course. I did put him on the ground and had him on a lead. It was like a sneak preview of what we have to look forward to after next week. Tomorrow is his second set of vaccinations so we’re hoping we’ll be able to walk him by next Saturday (23rd August 2025).
After his short trek around a small portion of the golf course, we were going straight home but I thought it would be good to pop into Dobbies and see all the toys and food in the doggy section. We of course, we just had to buy two more toys.
The journey to the garden centre
I was singing along with Matt Monro and Born Free. I thought it might keep Hector calm along the journey. As I pulled into the parking bay of our local garden centre, I look down and saw him snoring his head off. How rude. Hahaha.
Day 21 – Saturday 16 August 2025
14 weeks
Today has been an important day. It was Hector’s second set of vaccinations (L4) and Nik and I set off to Creature Comforts Vets in Putney and got there on time for our 10.30am appointment. He was so good and loved by everybody, even a couple of the other customers who were there at the time. Last time at the practice he weighed 4.9kg and today he was 6.5kg. Lol. I’ve got a funny feeling this number is not going to get funnier as the weeks go on.
Today on the Apps Gone Free app, I downloaded FaceToon, an app that cartoon-ises your photos. We put Hector and some of these are either cute and adorable or very funny. Have a look:
Day 22 – Sunday 17 August 2025
14 weeks 1 day
Breakfast this morning was fresh scrambled egg.
Day 23 – Monday 18 August 2025
14 weeks 2 days
Sometimes the bonding moments are just the best.
Day 24 – Tuesday 19 August 2025
14 weeks 3 days
Hector’s smaller collar tag arrived yesterday so he’s wearing it now. It has his name, Jezz’s and my mobile number and the word ‘chipped’ engraved on the back.
Hector isn’t that impressed with Jezz dressing him with his toys.
Day 25 – Wednesday 20 August 2025
14 weeks 4 days
Whilst playing with Hector, my reflex of his paw next to my face, was ill-judged.
Day 26 – Thursday 21 August 2025
14 weeks 5 days
Day 27 – Friday 22 August 2025
14 weeks 6 days
Hmm… trying to keep the meals interesting but without changing his regular dry food, I decided to mix up lunch today by adding plain scrambled eggs with mixed vegetables to his lunch of dry biscuits. Well, he ate at lightning speed… think he loved it!
Day 28 – Saturday 23 August 2025
15 weeks
Another very big day today. Jezz and I walked Hector one lap around Mellowes Park. It was a gorgeous day, took about half an hour and we could see that he was exhausted by the end of it. He met a lovely family who adored him and a nice lady on her own.
Day 29 – Sunday 24 August 2025
15 weeks 1 day
Second day out walking Hector and we used the retractable lead which gave him so much more freedom. Once again, we’re in Ruskin Park but we are going to keep it random and try other places as well. Here are today’s photos.
Also, this afternoon, Kelly, Charlie and Esme popped in to meet Hector. It was awesome to see them again, as it had been a while.
Day 30 – Monday 25 August 2025
15 weeks 2 days
Today, as Jezz was working and the car park he usually uses isn’t open on Bank Holidays, I drove him to work. Hector was with us and we then went up to Epsom Downs and walked along the side of the golf course. He definitely enjoyed it and is now fast asleep on the sofa, recouping the energy he’s going to need when we do it again, around 2pm, before collecting Jezz back from work.
After a leisurely sprint around the edge of Epsom’s golf course, Hector and I went to collect Jezz from work and then made our way over to Nik and Caiger’s. Hector had met Harry once but it was the very first day and the very first place we went to after picking him up the first time, 27 July 2025.
Also today, Jezz bought Hector a new seat for the car. This one is massive, easily twice the size as the last one. It’s really nice and if he’s small for it now, it won’t be long before he outgrows it.
Day 31 – Tuesday 26 August 2025
15 weeks 3 days
Today, Hector gave me the worst bite to date, on my thumb, but to be fair, we were playing. In other news, Jezz came home and taught Hector to do ‘paw.’ It was incredibly easy and he mastered it within five minutes.
Day 32 – Wednesday 27 August 2025
15 weeks 4 days
Another major day in the life of our puppy boy. Today, whilst walking round the park, we saw a lady who we’d met once before. Her name is Leslie and she has two dogs, Edith and Trixie. She talked us round and gave us the confidence to let Hector off his lead. She convinced us that as we are his pack leader, that as we walked away from her, that he would follow. It was the ultimate test so far… and it worked. We walked about 50 feet away from where she was standing with her two dogs, who Hector had been playing with, and suddenly without being called, he came running towards us. It was a highly emotional moment.
Day 33 – Thursday 28 August 2025
15 weeks 5 days
More quality bonding time with Hector today while Jezz was at work. We did go for a walk around the park but got caught in a down pour. Went back in the evening and met up with Leslie, Edith and Trixie again, and we walked round with them. Lots of socialising, Hector with dogs and us with their owners.
Also today, Stacey and Ella came round and Hector had his flea, tick and worm medication for this month. Also, Nik popped in for a catch up and cuddles and nips with Hector.
Day 34 – Friday 29 August 2025
15 weeks 6 days
Today has been quite eventful. Hector met with our barbers, Tony and Rob, and then we both went for a walk around Carshalton Ponds and the park connected to it. When we got home, I tried to wash a back door mat with buckets of hot water and then the hose, but Hector got soaked and dove into the hose’s jet! So, I took him upstairs and gave him a shower with doggie shampoo.
This evening, Jezz and I took Hector for his usual walk around the park, where we socialised with other dogs and their owners. Oh, and I brushed Hector’s teeth twice today!
Day 35 – Saturday 30 August 2025
16 weeks
Another good day with our boy. He didn’t like Benhill Park to the point of wanting to go back to the car. He’s been to his usual park and it was in the rain, so that’s another new experience. He didn’t seem to mind it and neither did we, suprisingly. Jezz put up our first picture of Hector on the wall with some decal too. Looks fab.
Day 36 – Sunday 31 August 2025
16 weeks 1 day
Sunday, so scrambled eggs for breakfast, of course. We went to the usual park in the evening and Hector definitely met his match, as far as energetic playful games goes.
Day 37 – Monday 1 September 2025
16 weeks 2 days
Piggy is absolutely adorable and here’s another one of Hector’s play mates.
I managed to capture several great photos of Hector and Jezz asleep together on the Brighton cushion on the sofa. Only this time, Hector decided to use Jezz’s head as a pillow.
RECALL IS WORKING
Also today, Hector’s training for ‘recall’ and ‘wait’ has made huge progress… we’re so thrilled. We took some advice from one of the dog walker ladies in the park. She suggested that if not a whistle, have some other noise, like treats in a jar. We tried it, and it works… superbly.
Today, the Vax wet carpet cleaner arrived and so did two amazing new toys for Hector, from crazy Nanna Nikki. One is called Paw Hide and is a tray of hidden pots with lids for treats and he has to learn which ones have the treats… he did it first time. The second toy is… well… it’s noisy.
Day 38 – Tuesday 2 September 2025
16 weeks 3 days
Hector and I went for our morning walk around the usual park and his recall is absolutely coming along so well.
Day 39 – Wednesday 3 September 2025
16 weeks 4 days
Finally, we saw Leslie, Edith and Trixie. Jezz has been waiting to bump into Leslie because he had a small box of chocolates from Waitrose for her. Leslie is the kind lady who helped Jezz and I with the confidence and bravery to let Hector off the lead and we are still so glad she did. Well, today we saw her again and Jezz was able to give her the chocolates and no longer needs to carry them around with him. Also, Hector had an extra good time playing with Edith and Trixie.
But he also had a great time with Golden Retriever, Ruby.
Day 40 – Thursday 4 September 2025
16 weeks 5 days
Another good day with Hector, today. Got up and stayed with him on the sofa until 8.30am. Then went to my room to do some work. Broke away to shave and shower and then took Hector for his walk around the park. Came back and put him in his crate so that I could go and do some food shopping. Came back and Jezz came hom from work. We all had some time togther in the lounge before setting off again to the park for his evening walk. New adventure today was that his dog seat was in the back seat of the car now and no longer in the front. It is meant for a back seat and fits better but also, it stops him from getting to use to one position in the car. And as is typical of our star boy, he was excellently behaved.
On the way to the park in the car, with him being in the back seat, we lowered the door window and Jezz got this photo of him, looking out of the window. Love this so much.
In the park, he got to have a run around with Dray (or is it Drey)… anyway, here’s today’s video:
Day 41 – Friday 5 September 2025
16 weeks 6 days
Another almost perfect day. Hector and I went for our usual morning walk around the park. Then we set off to Nik’s to pick her up and take her to her car, following an MOT. Hector hasn’t shown any objection to suddenly sitting in the back of the car. I opened the window fully and he put his head out for the first time today.
Day 42 – Saturday 6 September 2025
17 weeks
Hector’s regular playmate was in the park this morning. He’s a gorgeous chocolate Labrador called Cocoa.
In other news today, Jezz arranged for Hector to have a new eating station so the old one is now in the garden and this new adjustable one is in place. Look at the clever anti-spill water bowl.
He also now has a new bed for the kitchen. When either of us are out in the kitchen, typically preparing his and our meal, Hector likes to sit with us and wait patiently. He’s outgrown his last square bed already and so he has this one now. And maybe, just maybe, it’ll be his last one but I’m not placing any bets.
I ordered this… a baby monitoring mirror for the car… only it’s for our baby, hehe. This way, as his new place in the back seat is now permanent, I can still see him closely but without straining my neck to look round or cause an accident by not looking ahead.
And finally, Jezz takes a selfie from the front passenger seat of the car, ensuring he captures one of the first times of Hector with his head out of the window. Awe.
This evening’s walk involved an extended play with Fudge. I’m not they’d both still be playing there now, if we didn’t separate them. Hehehe.
Day 43 – Sunday 7 September 2025
17 weeks 1 day
Today, after Hector’s usual morning walk around the park, Jezz and I headed off to Home Bargains and left Hector at home for 2 hours. We bought him a new coat for the winter. Playing around with a couple of ideas and not seeing anything suitable online, let alone Amazon, Jezz and I thought of an idea to prevent scratches on the paintwork of the car, now that Hector is looking out of the window. We bought a rubber car boot liner for around £5, in Home Bargains. And I’ve cut it to shape to fit over the open-window on the door that he looks out of. It’s fabulous… but is it also a Dragon’s Den moment?
Day 44 – Monday 8 September 2025
17 weeks 2 days
We’ve had a good day together and he did get a bit busy with the other dogs in the park this evening, so recall was at an all-time low. To be fair, we had gone earlier in the evening and a lot of the dogs were new to Hector.
Earlier in the day, I captured this ‘high and mighty’ shot of Hector in the garden.
Day 45 – Tuesday 9 September 2025
17 weeks 3 days
A more ordinary day today, nothing new happened. It’s likely to have been the last good weather day as the forecast for the next 10 days looks wet and bleak.
Day 46 – Wednesday 10 September 2025
17 weeks 4 days
Only one photo today… it’s of the three of us, napping on the sofa together, all sharing the same cushion.
Day 47 – Thursday 11 September 2025
17 weeks 5 days
After our morning walk around the park, we headed to Tim’s car wash. While Tim kindly arranged to have my car washed and cleaned, he got to know Hector really well in the office. Dom was also there and met Hector.
We returned home and had something to eat. I dozed off on the sofa but was awoken by Hector climbing all over me. He then settled and fell asleep on my leg. It’s unusual behaviour for him, but I discovered the reason when I found muddy paw prints on my arm, leg, and t-shirt. I also noticed a gritty feeling in my mouth from where he had kissed me with his tongue.
When I got up and looked out of the back door onto the garden, I saw he had dug a massive hole in the mud and flicked it all over the gravel area. He knew I’d be cross, and sure enough, when he waddled out into the garden, while I was sieving mud through an actual sieve and throwing the stones back onto the gravel, he wondered if he had done wrong or actually helped with the landscape. That’s why he was so affectionate when he came in and cuddled up next to me on the sofa and probably pretended to be asleep. Gggrrr.
Day 48 – Friday 12 September 2025
17 weeks 6 days
With Jezz not feeling well and off work, Hector and I left him for a stroll around the park. It was really quiet until we bumped into 3 dogs, one was older than the other two and I remember the one wearing red being called ‘Ruby.’ It was Ruby’s stick until Hector and the other one got involved, but it made for a good photo.
Day 49 – Saturday 13 September 2025
18 weeks
Well now, we’ve had a lovely morning together. Playing, cuddling, sleeping, nuzzling and then, as I was catching up with Corrie, I glanced out into the garden to see yet another huge mass of mud in the gravel, a darker shade of Hector with a black nose and paws to match… he’d been digging again. He knows it drives me mad… I secretly laugh and hide the amusement of it all, cos it does fuck me off as well, but sadly, he thought it was all too funny and ran back inside.
After using the new Vax cleaner on the carpet to rid of any mud paws, I went into the garden to try to clear up again. This time, I knew I needed to put him in his crate or I’d never get it done.
It took a while but I made a ok job of clearing the mud by sieving mud and stones. I went back inside and let him out and we both went for something to eat in the kitchen. Fuck me, 20 minutes later, he went out to inspect my tidying up and tried to start digging again. I don’t think he wanted to go back in his crate, but he has done.
Day 50 – Sunday 14 September 2025
18 weeks 1 day
Hector’s getting more bold as he gets older and more familiar with us and his surroundings. He thought he was allowed to completely mount the coffee table by putting all four paws on it. Hmm. Naughty Hector.
Day 51 – Monday 15 September 2025
18 weeks 2 days
Hector’s shortest lived toy. Amazing. It lasted around 15 minutes. He tore a hole right through it. Fortunately, it was from Amazon and they’ve refunded Jezz already. It’s odd though because this is the third toy from this manufacturer and the first one that was destroyed the same hour as giving it to him.
Day 53 – Wednesday 17 September 2025
18 weeks 4 days
Jezz went crazy in TK Maxx today, spending £96 and virtually buying Hector a complete new toy box.
Day 55 – Friday 19 September 2025
18 weeks 6 days
Today, I visited Kingston High Street, specifically the Bentall’s Centre, and then went into Apple to buy my new iPhone 17 Pro Max, in the Cosmic Orange colour with 512GB storage. I first checked that both Apple and the Bentall’s Centre were dog-friendly, and they were. I was amazed by how well-behaved and brilliant he was in a crowded shopping centre and an even busier Apple store.
On the way home, we stopped to visit Harry and to see Nik.
Day 56 – Saturday 20 September 2025
19 weeks
Not a very start to the day. Hector didn’t fancy any of the scrambled eggs I’d made for him and this was after catching my eye with one of his shark teeth.
Hector hadn’t been feeling very well this morning and was sick twice. Not eating any food and very little water, we called Stacey and she said for us to turn up at the vets and he’d be seen. We all suspect that he’s eaten something that didn’t agree with him, possibly a horse chestnut, so he was given an antiemetic injection and we have some tablets to put in his food for the next two days.
On the way home, we stopped off at Wandsworth Park for him to have a wee. We met a lovely lady called Kim who had two dogs, a grumpy spaniel called Mollie (hehe) and a gorgeous 19 month old German Shepherd called Trixie. Well, she took to Hector as he did to her. Here’s the video:
Also today, we went to Pets At Home to collect some Harrington’s Superfoods biscuits for his daily meals and the X Large crate from Kong. It is massive but he’ll grow into it, in the same way that he’s grown out of everything else, and at least this item will be the last one he needs.
Day 57 – Sunday 21 September 2025
19 weeks 1 day
Today, Amanda came to see us and we went to the Home Bargains store and Hector stayed home. This evening, Hector had another fun 20 minutes with Cocoa.
Day 59 – Monday 22 September 2025
19 weeks 2 days
Tim came round for technical support and help with changing his phone’s data to his new iPhone. Also, to see Hector… they get on so well.
Day 60 – Tuesday 23 September 2025
19 weeks 3 days
My daft little puppy is getting more affectionate each day and today he thinks nothing of settling and having a nap… on my head!
Day 61 – Wednesday 24 September 2025
19 weeks 4 days
Today I took this beautiful photo of our Hector. And this video of him playing in the park with Claus.
I have to say, also today, was an incredible time with him being so well behaved during both his morning walk and again, in the evening, at the park.
Day 64 – Saturday 27 September 2025
20 weeks
Hector is getting better everyday with his walking on the lead. I walk him one side of the road to the end of the estate and then back again, the other side. He doesn’t pull, he sits at every kerb (mostly without asking) and he’s so good with other dogs and people.
Also, we took some photos and a video.
Day 65 – Sunday 28 September 2025
20 weeks 1 day
While Jezz and Wayne had a hot chocolate each, Hector had his first-ever Puppuccino at Putt In The Park café in Wandsworth Park. It was seen as a special treat for being so well-behaved at the vet. Stacey saw him and helped us give him his monthly anti-worming, flea, and tick treatment. He also had his nails clipped, but the main reason for this visit was his Kennel Cough vaccination.
Here’s the video of him having his Puppuccino.
Day 67 – Tuesday 30 September 2025
20 weeks 3 days
What a morning! Hector wakes up with a really bad cough… it’s the kennel cough vaccine working. It got better through the day and he was amazing during his morning walk.
I’ve needed to crate him twice today. Once to collect the re-printed funeral booklets and again, when I went to Barbara’s funeral in the afternoon. Outside the pub, where the wake was held, The Woodman, Woodmansterne sits a huge statue of what Vick and I thought would be Hector, in about a year’s time.
And lastly, here he is making a little barking noise, whilst asleep. So cute.
Day 68 – Wednesday 1 October 2025
20 weeks 4 days
Today, we went to Kingston to collect Jezz’s new Mac mini, keyboard and trackpad. It was exciting and Hector came with us.
Day 69 – Thursday 2 October 2025
20 weeks 5 days
As Hector ages and grows, his personality and character develop, makes me laugh every day. He’s adorable, cute, and handsome, and everyone loves him. They all comment on how playful, friendly, and calm he is, despite his mischievous behaviour. He’s so well-behaved.
Day 70 – Friday 3 October 2025
20 weeks 6 days
Today, despite the miserable weather, we had a good and well-behaved walk. He also loves walking on a wall. Later this afternoon, Vicki called and wondered if we were home. Since she was in the area, she came to meet Hector.
| Things I have learned I can no longer do |
|---|
| Go to the toilet by myself |
| Look at my mobile on the sofa for more than 5 minutes |
| Leave the front door open while I’m putting the rubbish out |
| Blow raspberries in the air without being attacked |
| Be vigilant not to drop anything or it’ll be eaten |
| Have a coffee table |
| Never be without a poo bag in my pocket |
| Have clean rear car windows |
| Things I now have to do |
|---|
| Put my trainers, sliders, slippers on by holding them, one at a time |
| Be prepared to be greeted like I’ve been away for a week, even if I’ve only returned from putting the rubbish out |
| Answer how Hector is when someone asks, never about me |
| Allow the time of a walk to ‘take as long as it takes’ because of compliment stops |
Day 71 – Saturday 4 October 2025
21 weeks
Another gorgeous day with our boy. I spent more time than usual with Hector today despite Jezz being off. But he was setting up his new Mac mini in his room… Jezz, not Hector.
Day 72 – Sunday 5 October 2025
21 weeks 1 day
A gorgeous day with our boy. Scrambled eggs for breakfast, pink salmon and homemade cooked pork broth rice with vegetables for lunch and roast beef with sweet potato, sugar snap peas and pork broth gravy. Hehe.
Also today, he met Rocco. Rocco is Abbey and Lila’s new puppy Labrador. We filmed them in the park together.
Day 73 – Monday 6 October 2025
21 weeks 2 days
Today was another almost perfect day with our Hector. However, there was a slight misunderstanding this evening when I reacted harshly by smacking him for biting me. It was a severe, meaningful bite, unlike the usual nipping we’re used to. Despite this, I’ve been in the dog house with both of them, and it’s understandable and deserved.
Also today, I managed to capture this photo of Hector asleep, but with his tongue slightly out. And finally, this one of him playing with his glow in the dark ball.
Day 74 – Tuesday 7 October 2025
21 weeks 3 days
In the park, Hector gets worn out by this one, whose name both Jezz and I have forgotten, for the moment.
Day 76 – Thursday 9 October 2025
21 weeks 5 days
As Hector has hurt his front left leg, we’re keeping him from exercising it or putting anymore strain on it by playing with other dogs in the park or excess running.
Today, Jezz made him a homemade puppuccino, which he devoured. Shortly after, Wayne played a game of tug o’ war with him. Here’s the proof.
Day 77 – Friday 10 October 2025
21 weeks 6 days
Waaaahhh! – My baby boy is at the vets… again! He’s had this limp since Wednesday morning (possibly Tuesday evneing) and today, it wasn’t really any better so I’d sent two videos to Stacey for her to see. After seeing the second one, 12 hours apart from the first, she said I ought to bring him in. So I have done. And now, I’m at home waiting for the phone call for me to be able to go and get him.
He’s having x-rays under light sedation. The vet said that it was the best action to take to prevent anything going untested or not treated. With Hector’s breed, their growth is fast and if there is anything underlying, then it’s more likely to be totally fixable, rather than letting some growth defect or arthritis set in.
I can’t believe I’ve come home, come upstairs and closed the stairgate after me. I nearly cried.
I took this shockingly handsome photo of our boy today. I love him so much.
