The magic of new beginnings
The smallest thing – from a dog to a bike ride – can take you in a new direction. Meet four readers enjoying the benefits of serendipity!
Four women on the small things that changed their lives
‘My dog found me true love’
Stephanie Rutherford, 43, an events manager, lives in London with her partner, Nigel, 37, and daughter, Amelie, one.
‘With my beautiful daughter, Amelie, sleeping in my arms and my dog, Rex, beside me, I’ve never felt more content. I never imagined a new beginning would be so wonderful and I never dreamed I would have my dog to thank.
Rex and I have been through so much in the six years since I adopted him from Battersea Dogs Home. He’s been a loyal friend, and, best of all, has led me to true love and my perfect family.
I’d always wanted a dog, but it was only when I set up my own events company in 2011 and began working from home that I knew it was the time.
At Battersea, I found Rex, a terrier cross. It was love at first sight.
At home, Rex was an angel, content and cuddly. It was outside where the problems began. On walks, Rex pulled on his lead and barked at other dogs. When he was off his lead he wouldn’t come back, and no matter how hard I tried to call him to heel, he ignored me.
I’d been warned rescue dogs could have behavioural problems so I spent hours watching videos and reading how to train your dog. But nothing seemed to work. I needed some help, so I contacted a trainer I found online called Nigel Reed.
When Nigel arrived for a consultation I felt a flush of excitement. He was even lovelier than he was on screen, and Rex seemed to agree as he bounded up to greet him before I could. We quickly got to work, with Nigel explaining how important it was to read your dog’s signals so you can react properly. But as Nigel continued I found myself wondering if he was single. I had a sense the feeling was mutual, particularly as our first meeting was only meant to be three hours but actually lasted seven!
When he finally left, Nigel gave me instructions to help Rex’s behaviour, along with his phone number. A few weeks later, progress was slow, so I rang Nigel. He suggested we meet for a drink to talk my training problems through.
VALENTINE’S CARD
That night, the conversation never stopped, although I still wasn’t sure if it was me or Rex that Nigel was interested in! Then on Valentine’s Day, the following month, Nigel made his feelings clear by sending me a card.
As our relationship blossomed, so did Rex’s behaviour. So much so that when Nigel and I moved in together a year and a half later, we became the perfect, happy family, complete with one very well-behaved dog who adored us both.
I didn’t think life could get any better, but five years after Nigel and I met, I discovered I was pregnant. We couldn’t wait to be parents, and when Amelie arrived in October 2016, we both knew who we had to thank for our happiness – our wonderful and beloved Rex.
He is smitten with our little girl. When we take Amelie to the park, Rex always holds his head a bit higher; it’s as if he’s proud of the family he brought together.’ NIGEL SAYS: ‘I thought Steph was very striking when she opened the door and, of course, Rex was a very good-looking dog! We got on so well, that first meeting would have lasted longer than seven hours had I not had other plans. I think we both suspected there was a mutual attraction but were unsure. Asking for a drink was a subtle way to do it, but of course, helping Steph address Rex’s issues was the main priority! I took a chance and sent Steph a Valentine’s card and I’m delighted that we both felt the same way. Since then, neither me, Steph nor Rex have looked back.’ • Nigel’s book The Dog Guardian (Hodder and Stoughton, £14.99) is out now
‘At home Rex was an angel, it was outside that the problems began…’