Thank you for taking the time to read this...

My gorgeous Mother always made sure that animals were a big part of our family life from us being tots through to teens and beyond. A story I would never tire of was a one she would recall of a battle with Dad to keep her beloved Alsatian Leon when I was newly born and extremely precious. It brings a big smile and a warm heart when I think of Mam fighting Leon’s corner, the trust she must have built in her loyal and faithful companion to feel assured he would make way for her new daughter. Dad had made it very clear that one look, or move in the wrong direction from the dog, and he was out! I knew Mam must have had a special affinity with animals and was obviously capable of making extraordinary bonds with them when she proudly delivered the line “and you know, Leon would sit right by your pram outside and woe betide anyone who came through that gate” Her love of Leon and his return of love and loyalty showed in her beautifully expressive eyes every time she told the story, whilst I sat in awe and prickled up with goose bumps!

Mam never lost any of her passion and fascination with dogs all her life. In her 80`s she was coping with some very tough battles of the body which eventually profoundly affected her speech, this isolating road can destroy lives but my charismatic trooper showed no signs of taking a back seat in her inspiringly courageous and life loving journey.  Mam was Unable to keep a dog for many years but adorned the house with more K9 ornaments than I cared to dust! When friends or a carer’s dog arrived occasionally, it was a joy to watch the fun and love invested by both parties, and magical to witness how careful, patient and considerate the exchange. 

As often as we could we would get ourselves into the outdoors in the bracing fresh air of Durham Riverside, and It was there at Durham City it dawned on me just how much Mam really needed some regular quality time with her favorite animal. As we cruised the paths I would be slightly ahead (Mam loved to people watch and stop for a busker or two) then suddenly when I turned to check, she would have vanished from sight. I would be hit by a desperate pang of concern and a frantic 360 eye scan would follow. Soon enough I would spot her, having negotiated the many shoppers with her precision driving, a determined figure was lovingly observed lurching uncomfortably over the side of her wheel chair to stroke a surprised but extremely accommodating furry head. This little Houdini act became more frequent, with the hurdles and distance more ambitious…prescription pooch was needed!

Today I am paying tribute to, and trying to raise a few penny's for  a wonderful life enriching charity and service called WAG & Co,
 I view the work that WAG carries out as a vital mental/spiritual health resource, shedding light into the dark corners faced by many of our elderly around the North East today. WAG & Co enable new and powerful friendships to flourish with Humankind's oldest companion…" the Canine"  I found WAG for Mam and only wish I had discovered this incredible service earlier. For over 1 year we were privileged to receive weekly home visits by the most perfect duo, Kobe and Olivia.  Kobe, a King Charles Spaniel and intuitive gentleman, showed impeccable manners and refinement initially, until Mam charmed, pestered and teased him enough to unleash his alter ego, which would leave you chuckling watching the bold mischief unfold. Olivia was a bonus and a blessing, with such a positively sparkling personality every visit was dedicated in nurturing the new and wonderful relationship between my Mam and her best friend Kobe. Beautiful and unforgettable friendships were formed, and a particularly important one, which definitely reached a spot in my Mams soul that was profoundly noticeable and blissfully fulfilling.

A dogs simple language can communicate a thousand words...we can learn something from that.