IT'S 6am and the park, unsurprisingly, is deserted.
It's bitterly cold, with frost on the grass and steam rising from the river. But a small black shadow beside me is snuffling along quite contentedly, eager to discover just who's wandered this way before.
It's a route we've already explored a lot, in all kinds of weather conditions and at all times of day and night, but it takes a crisp, sunny morning before we're actually able to photograph the lively, excited ball at our feet.
NEW ARRIVAL: Teddy the black lab
Meet Teddy, a four-month-old black labrador who has already seen a lot of upheaval in his young life, but who arrived a few days ago to join our small family.
For us, it's the culmination of two years of searching and researching, of considering different breeds, of watching training videos, speaking to breeders and reading puppy books. And now he's actually here, our world's been turned upside down overnight.
FRESH START: Teddy arrives in the Chilterns
For Teddy, the change is probably just as dramatic. The fact he has already seen a couple of other households since leaving his mum and siblings is no fault of his own, but down to unfortunate changes in personal circumstances affecting the humans in his life.
As we research his birth, vaccinations and back story, we meet a succession of people who are full of praise for our four-legged arrival. The only black lab in a litter of 11, he's learned some basic commands, is good with children and seems lively and intelligent.
WINNING WAYS: Teddy knows how to make friends
He's also teething, curious and boisterous in the way that black labs are. Already he's won our hearts and he is trying SO hard to please – but we know it's going to be a steep learning curve for us all.
The vet's pronounced him fit and healthy and friends and family have been helpful with their top tips and sound advice.
MOMENT OF PEACE: learning how to chill out
But however many books you read, first-time owners are never fully equipped to know how to tackle every new challenge that arises – or how to cope with the sudden and overwhelming imposition on your daily routine (and interruptions to your sleep patterns!).
Not-so-tiny Teddy weighs more than 13kg and has big paws and a healthy appetite. He's had three names and this is his fourth home in as many months, so it's not surprising if he has found life a little confusing up to now. Mercifully, he seems relatively unfazed: biddable, eager and affectionate, he wins friends easily.
LIVEWIRE: puppies are eager for attention
Best of all, everyone is happy to help. From neighbours and family members with multiple dogs to kindly shop assistants and strangers in the park, there's a lot of expertise to draw on.
Everyone makes it look so easy, with their polite and respectful packs trotting so neatly around them and responding with alacrity to clickers, calls and whistles. But re-reading old friend and colleague Lucy Parks' experiences with her rescue dog Yella has been useful too, and a timely reminder of the rollercoaster journey that lies ahead.
Back in the park on our 6am foray I belated remember that it's my birthday. Now in my mid-60s, I've only owned cats in the past and despite all the videos still feel I know little about how to train Teddy to become the trusted, loving, loyal and obedient adult companion I know he can be.
But I also know just how many lessons dogs can teach to us humans too, not least about mindfulness, zest for life, grattitude and unconditional love.
BEST BEHAVIOUR: perfecting the sit command
"Dogs are our link to paradise," said author Milan Kundera. Or as author Orhan Pamuk put it: "Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen."
It looks as if we all have a lot of learn. And as those affectionate eyes look up at me and we start heading homewards to the warmth and breakfast, I'm determined not to let the little fellow down. Here's hoping he really can help to teach an old dog new tricks.
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