Those of you that knew Joel would know that he loved dogs. Growing up as all children do he and Jody would have loved one but I stuck to my guns and refused due to the commitment and work involved, mostly on my part as I knew it would be me that would have to put in all the work, selfish I know that now and regret it everyday😥. We did have many other pets from fish, rats, rabbits and even a cat just no dog.🐾 Joel did have 2 dogs when he stayed out in Spain for a few years which he loved them to bits.

When Joel was diagnosed we decided he could get a dog to aid his recovery so he and his partner would go to dog shelters to look and this helped his mental health by giving him a focus on something other than his treatment. Sadly this was not meant to be and before we knew it he was too unwell and time got the better of him as well as the cancer😭 it really wasn't  good timing and too late .💔

When Joel did pass about a year later I decided we should get a dog, so I applied for then adopted a rescue French Bulldog called Hamish. My brother had dogs and Jody had 2 so I thought it would be nice for us too? Oh my what a huge decision this was?? He had so many behavioural problems that I had no idea existed, from tummy problems to seperation anxiety. It has been a very hard 5 years getting to know him and learning how to deal with them. He has been a great distraction for me and given me something else to focus on just as we hoped a dog would have been for Joel😥 Hamish and I have rescued each other we have a connection he understands me and I now understand him. I genuinely don't know what I would have done without him. He was sent to me for a reason. 🐾 I just wish Joel could have met him.💔