My husband had wanted a dog for a while, but as we were both out at work all day it was unfair to get a dog and leave it at home all day. Then COVID arrived. I was working from home and after a few months we decided we would look at fostering, even if it was only for a short while; it would give a dog in need somewhere to live. We went searching for rescues that were looking for foster families. Phoenix was one of the few that accepted families who live in flats. Several months earlier I had seen a Frenchie puppy strutting down the street like a little hard man and, remembering the attitude of that puppy, I couldn’t resist submittin an application. Due to COVID the process took longer than normal and, of course,not all the dogs coming in were suited to living in a flat.
Our patience paid off and, in November 2021, Phoenix Burns strutted through the door. She made a beeline for my husband and melted his “I want a big dog” heart. The not on the couch rule was broken on the first night - “Leave her, she looks cosy” he said. Over a few days her sassy little attitude started to come out and she slowly started playing with her toys and ‘dad’ was already looking for doggy advent calendars and Christmas jumpers . We also celebrated Phoenix Burns’ birthday in those first couple of weeks. We joined the 'failed foster' parent club 3 weeks later..
My nephews nicknamed Phoenix Burns Miss Sassypants from their first meeting of her and she certainly lives up to that nickname, the little diva! She’s not shy in letting you know what she wants. The foot stomp tantrums and wuffs are not to be ignored. Dad is her favourite playmate, he’s often on the floor chasing and rolling her about. He doesn’t get peace to watch the football if she wants to play and there is mayhem at bedtime when they have their final playtime of the day, no trying to get an early night with the racket they make!
She loves going in the car and going on adventures to parks, beaches etc. She loves visiting her grandparents. Grandad is her favourite, and she sprints through the front door and launches herself at him for cuddles.
The last nine months have flown by, but Miss Sassypants keeps us on our toes and entertained on a daily basis. We wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves without her now and thank the Phoenix team for bringing her into our lives.
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