I have had dogs for most of my life, mostly terriers, but also a Labrador cross staffie and a Boxer, both found me when l used to volunteer at a local animal shelter and followed me home!
They both lived to well into old age, the Boxer was a real Clown, acted first and questioned later, which led her into a lot of sticky situations and cost a small fortune in vets bills.
The Labrador cross was just so laid back and well behaved, she loved sailing, and spent any happy hours just laid out on deck watching the world go by. I said that l would not have another dog once we lost Zoe, and as my own health was not good, l didn’t think it would be fair on the Dog if l could no longer manage to walk and care for it properly.
A friend of my Daughters was going through a Marriage break up and needed to rehome her Golden Labrador, she was moving into rented accommodation where Dogs were not allowed, but her little girl was heartbroken as the dog had grown up with her from being a baby. So my daughter and l hatched a plan, she would keep and look after the dog, the little girl could visit her whenever she liked, and l would be her co-owner and fund all her food and other doggie needs in exchange for regular cuddles and fuss when she visits several times a week! The plan has worked out well, she’s a lovely faithful dog, and a much valued member of our family.