Eagle eyed readers will have noticed mention of a dog in both our Christmas greetings and in the tale of our recent sheep invasion at The Secret Acre.

As longer term readers know, we have been without a dog for two years, while we got over the trauma of losing two companions in quick succession. Firstly Ruby, a long term family pet, then Noodle, who we gave a retirement home to soon after, for the last few years of her life.

But even as we were enjoying the period of dog free freedom to travel more spontaneously, we were keeping feelers out for the right new dog at the right time, until late last summer we met Sybil, who was part of a litter on a smallholding not too far from us in Herefordshire. Mum was a white labradoodle like Noodle. Dad was a red miniature poodle.

So formally welcome to The Secret Acre, Sybil.

We’ve not had to train a puppy before, both Ruby and Noodle coming to us already pre-trained, but despite that concern, and there are a few things she still needs to learn to be better at, Sybil has already settled perfectly in as part of the family, teaching us to enjoy the excitement and energy of a young dog once again.