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The Tale of Jeanie and Princess: Being prepared for the unexpected

Jeanie, a social media influencer, resided in a stunning apartment and dedicated much of her time to creating videos on interior design, her niche expertise. With a background in interior design and art history, she was highly skilled in her craft. Despite her success, Jeanie felt a sense of loneliness.

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She had not long ago finished a relationship that compromised her work values. She needed someone, or something that she could care for, on her terms.

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Yearning for companionship, and inspired by a friend's new French bulldog, Jeanie decided to get a miniature poodle. She decided on the poodle as it wasn't one of the more trendy dogs that she saw people owning.

Starting on the right foot

She carefully selected one from a reputable breeder. Jeanie showered her poodle, named Princess, with love, care and attention. She ensured proper feeding, diet, exercise, and she even took out pet insurance for potential health issues.

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However, Princess proved to be a challenge. Uncontrollable and yappy, she disrupted Jeanie's video recordings and even attacked a friend's dog, leading to strained relationships. Princess was fine when it was just her and Jeanie. As soon as anyone else entered their relationship, Princess became really possessive. She didn't like anyone else taking Jeanie's attention away from her.

Time for action

Jeanie sighed as she watched another ruined video recording, Princess yapping incessantly in the background. Determined to find a solution, she began a strict training routine, enrolling Princess in obedience classes and consulting with a professional dog behaviorist. Over the following weeks, Jeanie diligently practised commands and socialization exercises with Princess.

One afternoon, Jeanie decided she needed to test her training. She invited her friend Sarah over for a visit. Princess initially growled and barked, but Jeanie calmly redirected her attention with a firm command followed by a treat. After several attempts, Princess settled at Jeanie's feet, watching Sarah warily but quietly. When Sarah's dog, Max, came into the room, Jeanie repeated the process, rewarding Princess for calm behaviour.

Gradually, the tension eased. Princess, now more comfortable and less possessive, allowed Sarah to sit beside Jeanie without a fuss. For the first time in months, Jeanie managed to record a video without interruption, Princess lying peacefully in her bed nearby.

Out the frying pan, into the fire...

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One evening, a month or so later, Jeanie noticed Princess scratching her ears relentlessly, a small whimper escaping every now and then. Concerned, she lifted Princess and examined her inflamed, reddened ear. The vet confirmed her fears: Princess had a severe ear infection, a common issue in miniature poodles due to their narrow ear canals.

Despite having pet insurance, Jeanie was overwhelmed by the cost of the prescribed treatments and frequent vet visits. The insurance covered some expenses, but the specialised medication and additional care required for Princess added up quickly, straining Jeanie’s finances.

Tender, loving care

Every morning and evening, Jeanie gently cleaned Princess’s ears, administering the medicated drops with a steady hand despite Princess’s uncomfortable squirming. The infection worsened before it got better, leaving Princess lethargic and in pain. Jeanie spent countless nights by Princess's side, whispering soothing words and comforting her through the discomfort.

Jeanie decided to start documenting her pet ownership journey with Princess as part of her influencer videos. She wanted her followers to be aware that pet ownership was not a walk in the park. On the contrary, she needed to let people know about the frustrations, fears, heartache and pain she had been through, all part of being a pet owner.

Jeanie spreads the word

"We have to stop this abandonment! You cannot do enough research before getting a pet!", she stated in one video, "Start making a financial fund now!". Jeanie just wanted people to be aware of the ups and down of pet ownership before they start out, but also how rewarding the journey was. How close it had bought her to her cute, but still occasionally yappy little miniature poodle, her little Princess.

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The weeks of Princess' infection stretched into months, Jeanie sacrificing her personal time and delaying some freelance projects to ensure she could afford the best care for Princess. Slowly, Princess began to improve. Her energy returned, and the sparkle in her eyes reappeared. The moment the vet declared Princess infection-free, Jeanie felt a wave of relief wash over her.

Princess joins Jeanie in her influencer videos

Jeanie also started to feature Princess yapping in her videos. She realised that Princess might be trying to say something. Maybe communicating to other dogs that were tuned into Jeanie's broadcasts.

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One evening, as they sat together on the couch, Princess nestled into Jeanie’s lap, her trust and affection evident in her gentle gaze. Jeanie stroked her fur, reflecting on the challenging journey they had endured. The trials had not only healed Princess but had also forged an unbreakable bond between them.

Just like a little baby girl...

Reflecting on her experience, Jeanie acknowledged the preparations needed to be ready for the pet ownership journey. In her mind she smiled, thinking this is just like having a child! Stay tuned for more ups and downs in Jeanie and Princess' pet ownership journey. Who knows what could happen!

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That's it for this month's newsletter. We hope you enjoy our latest content and find it helpful in your journey into pet ownership. Stay tuned for more updates!

Keep learning and growing,

Andrew Bigwood Founder, Pet-Pledge

70, Pinewood Avenue, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3AB
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