In the words of his great namesake, ‘Could you be loved?’ You bet! In fact, it was love at first sight.
I mean, just look at his picture – I challenge you not to melt on the spot into a great big puddle of gooey soppiness.
We have always longed to have a dog, Charlie particularly so. When we lived in a London terrace, working long hours outside the home, it was never a realistic option for us. The closest we ever came to it was an occasional dog-sitting favour for friends, looking after their very well-behaved trio of dogs – 
Daisy, Ellie and George – during the summer holidays.
Here, on the other hand, it’s a different matter. We have the space, the time and perfect countryside on our doorstep – rude not to, really! Charlie has been researching dog breeds almost since the day we arrived – collies, terriers, lurchers – trying to decide on what he likes best, and what will suit us – ie not a dog that will worry sheep, or chase deer! Meanwhile, I’ve been my usual practical self, putting the brakes on – let’s wait until the house is finished, until we have the business established, etc etc.
Yesterday, however, all that caution and planning went right out of the window. An acquaintance made a chance comment to us about a local breeder/trainer of working dogs having some Labrador pups for sale. Before we knew it, we were following him out to the nearby farm – just to meet the guy and take a look, of course. Yeah, right! It was only ever going to end one way, and sure enough, one cuddle with this eager little jet black bundle, and we were smitten. How could we possibly walk away without him?
So the upshot is that, in about a months’ time, we will be bringing Marley home to live at Balliemeanoch. The wait is agonising, but I suppose it gives us a chance to get prepared and start the training – us first, then the puppy!
I’m sure there will be many more tales of Marley to follow – we’ll definitely be sharing them with you!
Balliemeanoch Breaks B&B 
Don’t worry about a thing … You’ll be fab, he’ll love Balliemeanoch …. Every little thing’s gonna be all right!
Marley is really going to stir it up around this place … but I have a feeling he will satisfy my soul. Can’t wait til he gets here … at least I’m not waiting in vain!
We are both dissolved into puddles of soppyness. Awe…no! these women do cry!
I defy anyone not to! You’ll have to bring your two up to visit him some time.
Doesn’t take much to make me a puddle of gooey soppiness. I love that the planning and research all came to nothing when you see a puppy. Maybe we should take puppies into boardrooms.
That would be taking the cute kitten slide at the end of your presentations to the next level!!
We’ve been wailers since we saw the picture! Be prepared for the exodus from over the border, of family and friends eager to see him!
… would that be a movement of (Jah) people…?
Aw!!! He’s gorgeous. My lovely Archie came to live with us on the 1st of August after we had looked for a pup for years. You will have no time of your own but it will be well worth it 🙂
We can hardly wait! Archie is a beaut! What a difference just a couple of months make – he definitely looks more dog than pup already.
I’m not sure whether you are used to dogs/puppies/labs but I’d strongly advise you crate train your pup. I’m new to this but house-training Archie has been really easy because of the crate. Every day will fly once you get your little one home 🙂
It’s all new to me too, but I’m learning fast – trying to get as prepared as possible before the big day. We are planning on crate training, so I’m pleased to hear that you have had a good experience with it. We are also looking at puppy classes. I hope your first one with Archie went well!
Not to sure now who we are most excited to see!
Funnily enough, you’re not the first person to say that – we are resigned to the fact that people will come here in future to visit Marley, not us!
10 year later…..we didn‘t know Marley but we loved it, staying only 1 Night at Balliemeanoch….he was so nice and a so good guardian of the kitchen when chicken tries tous enter in the kitchen….we were happy to know him!