My adorable assistant, Teddy

He's the love of my life! We had a week apart while I visited Liverpool and Teddy went to his dog-boarding lady - boy, did I miss this little guy. He's now 14.5 years old and we spend a minimum amount of time apart. When I write - he is beside me in his basket. When I indulge in hobbies or interests, he sits in the nearest armchair and when I read, he lies across my legs. He's deaf, going blind and has a gammy hip, especially when the winter weather comes around ... but we soldier on together. I have to carry him up and down stairs a million times a day - it's a good job I'm now fit and healthy. He has two caring ladies who visit him when I'm away from home all day so he gets spoilt with treats and playtime. He's one big bag of unconditional love! Who has accompanied me on so many adventures but now, even I see how he's slowing up. The bounce has gone from his step, the sparkle from his eye and each morning, we both take delight in a cod liver oil capsule to care for our aching joints! While he's here I'll spoil him as much as I always have and pray that I get another six months with my boy.

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