Now we’ve had Rosie for two and a half years and the kids idolize her. But my relationship with her is on a totally different level. She is constantly by my side and I never have to do anything on my own. She is my best friend and the most loyal girl I could ask for.
Having a dog is a huge responsibility, and not one to be taken lightly, but the change I feel inside me because of her is worth every moment I spend planning our days or taking her out.
If Fate hadn’t brought us together, I don’t think I would ever have thought to get a dog, but I’m so glad I did. I’m her mummy now and she’s as content as I am. All Rosie wants in life is human company, and I’ll give her that always because the companionship she has brought me means so much. She is always with me at home, and when she’s not right beside me, I can hear the pitter-patter of her feet in the kitchen, or her snoring and snuffling in her bed. Knowing she is in the next room brings me so much comfort, and with Rosie around, I never feel lonely.
In the first part of her life, Rosie didn’t have constant love – if any at all – but now I make sure she feels unconditional love and has the security and safety she lacked before. That’s the best thing I can offer her in return for her being my best friend.
Illustrations
Mischievous Tonka and Bisbee came as an inseparable duo from Battersea. Cheeky Tonka is seen here, eyeing up the Christmas turkey before perching halfway up the tree for a nap!
Shadow the Pug cross, who was such a comfort to his owner, Mildred, through difficult times.
Scrappie the mongrel puppy, who earned his name after he was abandoned in a park bin.
Cupid, later named Sam, became a much needed friend for lonely Lucky the Collie.
Faith the Great Dane was lying emaciated and close to death in a ditch on a bitterly cold winter’s day when Battersea came to her rescue.
Ted finds room in his bed for Scrappie.
Bailey and his new pal, Paddy, learn to play nice and share, despite their size difference.
Jake the Jack Russell, who helped his owner, Mark, find purpose – and became a lifelong friend.
Mark’s cheeky Battersea puppy, Milo, who loves sunbathing and causing mayhem.
Poppy puts an arm around loving family dog Molly.
Molly proved to be extremely tolerant of Ruby [right] and Poppy’s attempts to dress her up as Santa, or in pearls and a feather boa!
It was a dream come true for Northamptonshire police officer Emma when she was offered a job with the dog handling unit.
Herbie during specialist service dog training.
Herbie’s searching abilities are put to the test.
German Shepherds Prince and Tyson make the perfect candidates for prison work. They’re the best of friends too.
After losing their beloved dog, Johnny Reggae (above), Nick and Stephanie took in another Battersea dog, Tiffin (following page). With Battersea’s support, the couple helped Tiffin overcome his traumatic past.
Westie Jessie snoozing in the Cornwall sun.
Mongrel puppy Santa was brought into Battersea on Christmas Eve by a member of the public who found him wandering the streets of London.
Jack Russell cross Charlie stole the heart of Battersea’s Liz and she gave him a permanent home. It was on one of their walks that Liz came across the bin where Scrappie had been abandoned.
Long after Terry and Pat’s children had flown the nest, Dancer the Akita cross puppy reminded the retired couple what it’s like to have a child in the house once more.
Dancer, now called Sam, steals a nap on Terry and Pat’s bed.
Dancer was only a foot tall as a puppy. Now he’s three years old and doesn’t know his own size!
Battersea’s Elizabeth started fostering these tiny kittens when they were just two weeks old. Would she be able to give them up?
The scales register a little under 200g.
A curious Olive emerges from the Christmas wrapping paper.
Olive and Ophelia are all grown up.
Rosie the Staffie was left fighting for her life after being thrown into a freezing lake.
Against all odds, Rosie survived the ordeal and, with Battersea’s help, found a loving new home.
THE BEGINNING
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PENGUIN BOOKS
Published by the Penguin Group
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First published 2014
Copyright © Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, 2014
Cover image © Mark Taylor / Warren Photographic; Shutterstock
All rights reserved
The moral right of the author has been asserted
Produced under licence from Battersea Dogs Home Ltd® Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Royalties from the sale of this book go towards supporting the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has been caring for and rehoming abandoned, stray and neglected animals since 1860. We have looked after over 3 million dogs and cats since then, and we aim never to turn away an animal in need of our help. To find out more about our charity visit battersea.org.uk
ISBN: 978-1-405-91971-5
Christmas at Battersea: True Stories of Miracles and Hope Page 22