Thank you very much for your comments about this thread. I can assure you, it has been a huge learning curve for me, but so pleased I did it.
Any preconceptions I had about cockers have either been completely swept aside, or happily confirmed. Likewise, any former ideas I had generally, such as the crates issue, have been completely turned on their heads. I now have a rather deluxe model for her at home, complete with a Danish Design My First Bed (which I just could not resist, sorry) a slightly smaller 4 star version in my office, complete with Royal Stuart Tartan bed, and the RAC approved travel crate in my car! You would honestly think I was setting up for a pack of dogs, rather than one dear little girl!
Also recommended by this site; Daisy and I are now fully enrolled for Puppy Training Classes (APDT) from 25 August. Goodness me, what a busy schedule we have this summer!
I am lucky in that the lovely breeder is quite close to us (35 minutes by car) and we can visit Daisy, her Mum and Dad, regularly during this "waiting period". What's even nicer, is that our 21 year old son is positively bursting with excitement about it all. And let's face it, it's been a long time since he got excited about anything without a remote control!
I'll keep in touch.
Best wishes to you all
Potter x