BUDDY

Hello, it’s me, Buddy and I’ve been told I’ve got quite an “extraordinary story”, but if I’m honest, I don’t think about that very much. Because these days life is all soft beds, kind hands and knowing exactly where I belong. After the show last year where lots of people wanted to adopt me, in the end I went home with one of the lovely Paws2Freedom friends. I had a feeling about them straight away and I was right. It turns out this is exactly where I was meant to be.

People sometimes say I look a little different. Very gently, very kindly. But to tell you the truth – most don’t say anything at all. They just sit with me, or stroke my head, or laugh when I nudge them for another cuddle. And that’s the funny thing – they don’t really see anything unusual. They just see me! I do have slightly wobbly knees – luxating patella, apparently, but I’ve been working hard on those. I’ve done physio, hydrotherapy, even laser therapy, all sorts of things to keep me feeling my best. And it’s helped so much. I’m quite proud of how well I get about.

I’ve even had a little job in a care home as a therapy dog. I take it very seriously, gentle visits, quiet company and the occasional well-timed cuddle. It seems to make people happy, which makes me happy too.

Most days are wonderfully simple: finding the warmest spot (the AGA is hard to beat), stretching out on the sofa like it was made just for me, having a good run in the fields when I feel like it and, of course, making sure everyone gets their fair share of Buddy cuddles. I will admit that every now and then, I make what my humans call a “poor life choice” and roll in something absolutely disgusting. At the time, it feels like a very good idea. Shortly afterwards, I find myself in the bath having a “de-stink”, which I’m told is necessary. I disagree, but I endure it bravely. I’m told I’m very loved. And I feel it in all the little things, every single day. Whatever happened before… that’s not really my story anymore. This is. The here and now! And I think it’s a rather lovely one. Thank you to all the lovely people who made this happen for me. I will never forget any of you! Love, Buddy x