I was nine years old when my family and I brought home my first puppy, a beautiful golden retriever called Millie. She was with us for 11 years, where I walked her every day I could (yes I actually stuck to my promise of taking my dog on walks in rain or shine), indulged in her love of the water (she was a golden retriever after all!), played with her, feed her, called her in when she was barking down the back of the garden and put her to bed. It’s safe to say that Millie stole all our hearts - and even converting my dad into a dog person. Once we lost her we continued to go on her walks everyday but without a dog it definitely felt empty. So six years ago we brought home Maisie. Another white, fluffy golden retriever who quickly proved herself to be fiercely intelligent with a strong stubborn streak and a familiar love of water - even if she lacks her sister Millie’s bravery and still refuses to go out of her depth. This time in my twenties I took a central role in bringing up our curious little puppy who showed her adventurous side even as we were driving her home, crawling over my shoulder to explore the boot! I attended puppy training classes, took care of her during the day where I potted-trained her, kept her entertained and made sure she got all the food and rest she needed. I also taught her to walk off the lead and made sure she had the all important recall! I have also worked as a community events volunteer at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in Old Windsor. This included the annual Muddy Dogs Challenge where I handled dogs of all shapes and sizes as I cared for them while their owners tackled more tricky aspects of the course. Anyone who owns or has ever owned a dog will understand the sheer joy and love they bring into your lives - even as they’re doing sit-down strikes when they don’t want their walk to end, or getting covered in mud, or when you think you’ll never be able to potty train them. My love for dogs has been ingrained in me ever since I first cuddled my puppy Millie as she ran between our legs clutching a tiny plastic flower pot her breeder had given her as a present. I would love to welcome your dog(s) into my home, take them for walks and shower them with love.