Chapter Five – A long year
Chapter Five – A long year. Maybe it was the emotional trauma of the year before but it felt like every good bit of news was swiftly followed by bad.
We had the funeral of our “Nan F” just seven weeks after our step dad, Tivs, passed away.
Ethel was a feisty, straight talking Londoner who believed and wholeheartedly supported us from the very start, wrapping ribbon around dog bones and ceramic mice, cutting labels and sending stock parcels every week. Granny labour was essential in those early days; Ethel was always there for advice, wisdom and mints! She encouraged and nurtured Anna’s creative talent from a very early age and will never be forgotten.
Then in the May, Gavin, the “big cheese” and driving force behind the Little Dog became seriously ill. Rapidly loosing weight and blood he was rushed into hospital. After an agonising wait for all, he was finally diagnosed with acute Ulcerative Colitis. Almost a year on, he is learning to manage his condition, but his absence during those weeks was a frightening realisation as to just how important he is to our family and the business.
Esther, our Company PA also had some emotional demons to deal with and it is a tribute to the rest of the team that her work duties were covered during her absence. It is at this point that Minty, a rescued Patterdale terrier cross, entered Esther’s life. Minty is her very own beloved Scruffy Mutt and true soul healer.
We mention all this personal detail as it is impossible to keep it separate from work life when you are part of a small family firm.
On the work front, a number of key products that had taken a long time to develop, finally arrived in stock. Unfortunately, they were damaged and poorly made leaving us with no choice but to cancel the order. This resulted in us having very little new products to offer our customers. Disastrous.
The economic slowdown was becoming apparent in the rate of reorders and the new company Really Likes continually needed investment and development. Belief, confidence and nerves were all required, in abundance, on an hourly basis!
However, there were lots of happy moments and we celebrated these little rays of hope with enthusiasm.
Anna had her second baby boy, a much calmer version of his older brother. She also began a very exciting project with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and realised one of her life’s ambitions, to illustrate her very own book.
There were two new furry members to the team. The afore mentioned Minty and also Spike the Beagle, possibly the handsomest dog you’ll ever meet and the new bundle of vocal trouble in Jo’s life. Both visit the office but only when the territorial Smiffy is on his hols.
It was a relief to say goodbye to 2007 and start 2008 with a birthday celebration, the Little Dogs 10th year in trading.
Unbelievable, ten whole years in business!
