As a child, my family acquired a couple of goldfish through the fair ground. I shudder at that, but it was my first introduction to a ‘pet’.

What I wanted was a dog, but that didn’t happen. Mum being bitten by a dog was the reason she wouldn't entertain a dog, but I also know that with four children under 3 to look after, it wasn't going to happen.

Adopting pets

When our children were little, we adopted two rabbits called Toffee and Fudge, and a cat called Pumpkin. I would have liked a dog, but mum had put me off adopting one.

Adopting a 'dog'

Fast forward to 2023, three years into the pandemic and we have now 'adopted' a dog. I am not going to lie, but for the last three years since Covid-19 started with its handling, I have struggled with my mental health. The nights have been the worst. There’s a stillness, a quietness in the house that doesn’t sit well with me, or with my autism.

I have also lost my twin that's a lot to deal with. The world is also changed and people have changed. Before the pandemic when ‘life’ was normal, and I could go out without thinking about the virus, illness, or potential death, the stillness I talk about in my blog, wasn’t there.

Nelly has filled a void

Now Nelly, our golden retriever has filled a void. She’s a big dog. Her size is not something I’m used to also, but I am getting used to the fact that she’s here and she is making a difference to my mental health. She's a therapy dog, a dog that helps with people with mental health. I have autism and she’s perfect for me.

We adopted her on the 24th March, 2023. It was 'our' birthday. That day will stay etched.