I love dogs. Also cats; but dogs have become my main companions and are now my life.  I’m sure some reading this know already so I’m sorry to repeat myself – no need to read on if I’m boring you.

I grew up with dogs – early photos show me as a three year old with an Alsatian, Doberman and Sheepdog. (check back here soon to see if I can manage to get them on my laptop). Dogs were my companions, playmates, confidantes and guard dogs. I later found out my “wonderful” much older brother (but youngest of the 3) used to take his baby sister for a walk to help Mum. Our mother thought he was an angel but he wasn’t. He used to leave me at a local pub in the custody of the lovely landlady there while he went out up to mischief. Meanwhile as a non walking toddler I played with two huge German Shepherds behind a bar. His secret wasn’t found out until years later when I was 18 and went into the pub as an adult and heard all about it from the landlady. Wow did I spill the beans to Mum then. Bit late.

My dad had a dog and my mum had dogs, even when I went out I was surrounded by dogs, courtesy of my brother.  However after leaving home at 16,  I had to wait more than 24 years until I could have dogs myself although acquiring a couple of cats on the way.

I currently have two cocker spaniels – Max & Monty, and a Labrador/Collie cross puppy and she’s called Morgan.  All Welsh connotations with the names – Max after the Welsh legend Max Boyce, Monty after Montgomeryshire and Morgan as it’s a family name and means by the sea. I say Morgan is a puppy but she’s 6 months now and still growing. They are all mad and great fun, spoilt by the acres of fields they can run free in and the immense love they have from me.

I’ve just added Goldie to the mix. My friend, Claire Boyles, has had the opportunity to work in Thailand for three months so I am looking after her gorgeous Golden Retriever. Goldie is a very sprightly 13 year old and is a pleasure to look after. She does what you ask and you know she will. I’m hoping some of it will rub off on my mad three.

My animals really help calm me down when stressed and cheer me up if depressed. I wrote about this in Catherine Connors latest De-Stress Magazine which you can read online here.  There are some other great articles in there from other animal lovers too. Plus some great writing on how to de-stress.

Recently my two closest friends both lost their dogs within weeks of each other.  They passed away due to old age.  My friends are devastated and I have felt it too because I know that their dogs were their companions and confidantes like mine are.  I dread the day I have to go through anything like that. 

After many years searching I now realise that my dogs are my true soul mates.

Morgan