I have given in and joined the club

Ok so not cruise related this week well not totally but yesterday I became the proud mummy of a dog. I have never had a dog and probably  for the last 10 years  my children have asked for a dog every christmas . I have always said its cruel as we are out all day at work however I cannot use that excuse anymore as I am now a homeworker.

We have been looking for a couple of weeks and my husband has always wanted a Sharpei, so we were lucky enough to find a family closeby who has had pups recently . We wanted it to be a surprise for our children so we went to choose one and took him to my friends whilst we went to get the children from their grandparents. When we arrived at my friends my children came in and said  ‘ awe they have got a new puppy ‘ we then told them it was our new puppy and I have never seen them so surprised , talk about an emotional moment both my husband and I  filled up.

We kitted him out yesterday with his bed and food and toys and really had to resist the urge to buy him a christmas jumper !! May have to work on my husband for that one .

I am an extremely tired new mum though this morning as we did not get much sleep last night and slept downstairs to make sure he was ok .It really brought back memories of bringing my babies home from hospital and  our first night with them although I’m sure tonight will be better. The children did not want to leave him this morning and go to school but we need to keep as much normality as possible.

Did you know that Cunard cruises  does allow dogs and cats on certain transatlantic cruises on the Queen Mary 2 .A full time kennel master is responsible for the 12 air-conditioned kennels on the QM2. The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open during certain hours to passengers who want to spend time with their pet in this restricted area. Pets are never allowed in the cabins or outside the kennel area. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. Kennel fees start at $300.

Dogs and cats onboard the Queen Mary 2 receive the same pampering their owners expect on this classic ocean liner, including a complimentary gift pack featuring a QM2-logoed coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; complimentary portrait with pet owners; a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. Other pet perks include:

• extra comfortable pet beds in two sizes
• healthy gourmet cookies for dogs and cats baked fresh daily and offered at bedtime
• fleece blankets
• assortment of dog and cat toys
• cat posts and scratchers
• selection of premium pet foods from top brands.

We named our little bundle of joy  Billy and we now are a complete family and are very much looking forward to the next few weeks and the adventures we will have.