As you probably already know, we lost our faithful labrador cross Grubby a few weeks back, and were pretty heartbroken. We didn’t plan to get another pup so soon afterwards, but – not uninfluenced by over a thousand lovely messages from readers (thank you again!) – we decided that life for us just works better with a dog. So here’s Loki, an extremely fluffy Aussie Labradoodle (that means he’s basically a common mongrel, but he costs more). He’s 12 weeks old today, a little bit bewildered by all the attention, but doing really well. The name is a reference to the Norse God of mischief, not the Marvel character. And if you think that names bad, Rafa was insisting on calling him Burp.
If you want to see more pics of Loki as he grows up, I’ll probably be putting them on my author facebook group. Do come over and sign up.
Meeting Alba
Loki
Meeting chickens
So happy for you and your family love your news letters by the way.
Good decision Gregg.
You will all benefit from your new fur baby… 🐶
Gorgeous baby 🤩 I’m so sad for your loss, it’s so hard. Our first cats cane into our lives feral at 7 weeks old. The trust was built slowly and their love earnt but once it was there it was reserveed for us only and not even the kids that came along later. We had them for 14 & 16 years and it was truly heartbreaking when they passed. The pain was unmeasurable and to non animal lovers, perplexing. To us they represented our past, they showed us loyalty, love and compassion and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. To miss them like we still do, tells us a lot about our own characters and helped teach our own children valuable lessons like empathy. Our present two are every bit as loved and love us all back in equal measure. Your new fur baby will be very lucky to have you as his Dad, your pain shows what a caring human you are. Enjoy him.
Love all of your books too!
So happy you have Loki. When we lost our Rottie in June, we too were going to wait to get another, and decided to foster in the meantime. The 3rd dog we fostered was a 14 week old yellow lab who immediately stole our hearts. We are “foster fails,” and have adopted Katie, whose baby teeth are sharp as razors!! We may still continue to foster after Katie is a bit older and more settled in with us. I look forward to more photos, and especially to the new Rockpools book. I really enjoyed the first one.
What a brilliant name for your new family member! I am sure he will live up to it. He will bring you such joy and Grubby taught you so well that your home is not complete without a canine companion.
Hello Gregg and family and Loki
Actually I didn’t really think you would be able to last six months without a dog and I’m so happy you all are happy and Loki is too.
You are so right – life is short and these partners we get only stay with us for a limited time so we must make the best of that and just love them as they love us. With all of their big and beautiful hearts….
All will be fine, as it always is when a gnawing bundle of fur enters a home.
I’m so pleased you’ve got another dog, life and home are so empty without one. Loki looks absolutely gorgeous and I’m so pleased he’s not called Burp. You never replace the previous dog as they all have their own individual characters. I wish you many happy years together.
What a perfect addition to your home!! Loki looks full of fun & mischief & will be a cuddly, playful companion.
A house without dog hair on the sofa isnt a home!
Enjoy your new beautiful playmate & fun walks on Hengistbury Head.
What an absolute beaut. You are so right, kids and dogs are just a perfect combination. Having a pup in the house really keeps
You on your toes, but it’s so right!!! We waited 8 weeks to get a new dog, but only because she was born on the day we lost ours and that just felt like fate.
Sooooo happy for you guys! Loki is gorgeous, and I know from experience, having Loki will definitely help your grieving for Grubby. What a beautiful pup! Best of luck to you, and much, much love to Loki!!!
How precious. I’m so happy for your lovely family. That’s some good news.Take good care.
Bonnie dog. I assume the chickens are for Loki 😝🐶
What a beautiful addition to the family
Congrats on your new and very cute addition to the family! He looks extremely content with Alba, but doesn’t look too sure about the chickens though. 😊
Loki is a DOLL! Like you said, not a replacement for Grubby, but a successor of his unconditional love & devotion. Rock on!!
What a cutie. Pets are balm for the soul and I think children benefit greatly from having a friend who is utterly non-judgemental (well, adults too). I’ll be keen to see your sequel to “Rock pools”, it was a fun book.
What a sweetheart! Love his colour😊
That’s a cute little mongrel. Good decision Gregg. Have fun!
Good for you. Loki is just what your family needed. When I lost my special one thought never again. But soon realized a pet is an important part of my and my family’s life! The unconditional love our pets give stays with us forever. Each pet holds a special spot in our heart and their love is with you always. Each one is different but each very special. How do they always know what you feel and when you need to give them a pet to share your feelings?Love your books, Greg! Look forward to rockpool sequel! The best to you, your lovely family and Loki.
How handsome is Loki?!!!! Never ever a replacement for our 4 legged friends who have gone to the dog park in the sky but a wonderful addition to the family.
Best wishes to you, your family & Loki for a long & love-filled future
Lxx
Loki is gorgeous, as is Alba (my middle name is Alban!) I’m so glad you decided to get him. Every dog is special in it’s own unique way. I have very fond memories of every dog I’ve ever had, as you will have of Grubby. My special at the moment is Ozzie the gorgeous Airedale.
just enjoy the puppy bit they grow so fast, I have had German Shepherds, since I was 18, my last one was going to be my last, well I lasted 4 weeks, that was 3 yrs ago, the love of my life, my 1st girl, and boy has she (Jess) a taught me lot, thought I knew it all about shepherds but she is so funny with her rituals everything has to be right now if we are late on walks, getting her ice cream, well she lets us know for sure,would not trade her for anything, but she is my last one as am too old now .I have to run her with quad bike to make sure she gets proper exercise, one lead until we see there are no kangaroos in paddocks (she won’t come when called if she goes to chase them and they could kill her)then off lead when coast is clear, I have read all your books and now wait for another, good luck with enjoying Loki
We were going to wait 6 months before we got a successor to our dog, too, but one just fell into our lap and it helps getting over the sadness of losing the first one. Loki is adorable!
What an absolute wee sweetheart, I’m sure Loki will be a very spoilt but loved addition. We can always find space in our hearts for pets even after the devastating loss of one. Lots of puppy cuddles and kisses ahead x
He does look a little bewildered, bless him!! Nothing that lots of love and patience won’t sort. You have done exactly the right thing as the love on your daughter’s face shows.
Keep an eye on those chickens …………………… !!!!!!
Your new baby is adorable. I don’t think Loki was thrilled about the meeting chickens episode. You’ll have so many happy years with your new baby, and your kids will always remember the magic Loki brings to their childhood years.
Absolutely gorgeous – I felt exactly the same as you when I lost my dog. After two months of being dog free, I realised I just couldn’t cope without my furry friend. They never replace, but definitely help fill the void that consumes you when we have to say good bye to our beloved pets.
Thoroughly enjoying The Glass Tower by the way and can’t wait to read the sequel to Rockpools.
So pleased you’ve got a new buddy though the name if it fits his character may mean you want to do puppy training classes 😂
Rockpools follow up I’m much excited about x
Awww, Loki!!! So happy for you all. God bless Grubby and Loki. 🐾🐾x
Absolutely beautiful. Congratulations 🙂
Ahh he’s lovely. Good on you for taking in another little soul. Although you’ll never forget your old mate Grubby, Loki will certainly help with the healing.
Aw he’s gorgeous. Though you’ll never forget Grubby, a newbie can help your hearts heal. Wishing you all many years of happiness together.
Nothing sweeter than a new puppy. I have a 6 mo golden retriever so life is quite busy over here. When we lost our previous dog from a coyote attack I was in shock and broken for several months. I told my husband I never wanted another dog, the heartbreak just wasn’t worth it. One day he drove me up to a pet rescue, told me our family wasn’t complete without a dog and that it was time. He was right. The heartbreak is worth it even in bad circumstances as we faced. Many blessings to you and your family. p.s. I love your books and have read all of them.
Oh my goodness, Loki is adorable!
Well, I shall take full credit for Loki joining your family! I’m fairly certain that I was the only one that suggested you immediately get another dog for your family. 😎
Enjoy your time together…as I am, with my little doggy chewing on my shirt sleeve as I type this. 🐕
Oh Gregg,Loki is absolutely gorgeous. A bundle of cuteness.
A new dog never replaces the one we lost, they never could, but they bring something brand new into our lives.
I don’t miss those needle teeth!!
Enjoy your new addition. You won’t regret it.
He’s adorable! May you and your family, including your newest furry member, have many happy times together!
‘Loki is adorable. Nothing better than a new puppy. Enjoy!
‘Loki is adorable. Nothing better than a new puppy. Enjoy!
A new best friend. Excellent news. Hope you all enjoy him.
such a cutie.
I am sure he will be great company for you all
Oh Loki is adorable! I’m so happy you decided another fur baby is important to you and your family. I recently read, The Girl on the Burning Boat, and will be reading, The Glass Tower next. (Little Elm, TX)
Many congratulations! I’m sure Grubby would approve!
Awwwww….so cute. Congratulations on your new family member. Wishing you many happy years together.
Lucky Loki struck lucky, so glad that he and your family found each other so marking the beginning of a new era carrying forward all the doggie wisdom that Grubby left you with, a house is sort of just a house without a dog I reckon and it’s worth the handicap they can be to family plans at times because of that very special “other thing” that they bring into your life!
The king is dead, long live the King!
Beautiful Loki, you are all very lucky to have such a lovely pup and she is equally lucky to find a loving family!
I couldn’t be without animals in my life although the heart ache when they pass is unbearable, the pleasure and joy from having them in your life out weighs it all!
Keep writing Gregg, I love your books and am just about to start The girl on the burning boat! Thank you for sharing your talent and a little bit of your life! God bless x
Oh, Gregg, Loki is totally adorable! I just knew you’d be getting another pup sooner than planned – we all do it! I look forward to seeing his future adventures with you and your family. 🐾🐾
Fantastic! What an absolute bundle of joy and laughter Loki will bring to your family.
I can hear the scratching and tearing now
Mind your shoes….🐾🤣👍🏽
What a beautiful little dog, I’m sure he will bring tons of pleasure and love into your lives. XX
Awww….just so loveable. He will fill your family with joy(and mischief).
He is absolutely gorgeous!
He’s gorgeous
Aw Loki is gorgeous. You’ll very soon get to know each other very well. And he’ll grow up along with your kids, which is just lovely. I may well keep Burp in mind for any future dog I have, I kinda like it. 😂🤪
Your new baby is absolutely adorable……good luck and I’m sure YOU will LOVE HIM UNCONDITIONALLY
I know how heart ripping it is to lose a fluffy darling……we have put 3 to sleep
All Bichons. I now have OBIE……..🐶
CANT TALK ANYMORE, IM STARTING TO CRY.
I DEVOUR YOUR BOOKS, IM ABOUT TO READ #6.
My best
Melinda FRIEDMAN
Ah absolutely gorgeous. Our Westie died last year suddenly and would love another one but am sailing around the med at the moment so not fair to the dog . Enjoy