15/07/2025
Gotcha Days: Two Years of Izzy
Today marks two years since Izzy came home.
Our dinky black greyhound with the big personality — it’s hard to believe it’s only been that long. In many ways, it feels like she’s always been part of the family. In others, I can still picture that first day so clearly.
Gotcha Days often mean a lot in the world of adoption.
Some dogs come with a known birthday — others don’t. But one date we do know is the day they came home. That becomes the milestone. The start of something new.
Izzy was five when she joined us.
Eyes on stalks (like a cartoon character), everything new. One of her first walks? She leapt into the air trying to chase a crisp packet blowing down the road. And the telly? Barely survived her attempt to hunt the hippo on screen — from a standstill, she was airborne!
Like so many ex-racers, home life was a big adjustment:
🐾Learning the stairs
🐾Settling into home life
🐾Figuring out that not everything on a walk needs chasing
🐾And that charging up to every person or pouncing at other dogs isn’t ideal
But with time, love, and support — she learned.
She had a lovely bond with Oscar. And now, her relationship with Freddie is wonderful and grows day by day.
These days, Izzy brings a quiet confidence to the training hall. A reassuring presence — especially for dogs who arrive feeling unsure. (She’s less calm when it’s just the two of us playing in the hall — but she absolutely knows the difference!)
She still has her bounce and her spark.
But much more calm.
There’s trust. Understanding. She’s settled.
Still learning — as we all are — but I believe she knows she’s home.
And she is so, so loved.
⸻
Gotcha Days are a lovely chance to pause.
Adoption is incredible — and sometimes challenging.
You’ll have built memories, shared magic moments, and likely had a few curveballs too.
In the middle of life’s busyness, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect:
Look back at how far you’ve come
Celebrate the wins, the quirks, the progress
And the magic in the journey you’ve shared
Happy Gotcha Day, Izzy.
We adore you. 🩷
