A helping paw
Tracey Ison, 51, Hinckley
Doing my nurse’s rounds in a vet clinic in 2010, I overheard the word ‘whippet’ and my ears pricked up at once.
I had two whippets at home – Misty and Izzy – so it broke my heart to hear about this little stray.
Brought in by the dog warden, he was blind, had mange and kennel cough.
‘He’s so friendly,’ I cooed, taken to see him.
My hubby Paul and
I took Misty and Izzy to visit, and they took to him instantly.
We named him Scout, and
he fitted right in to our family with his infectious zest for life.
Then, in 2015, my dad Alan was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. I spent as much time as I could with Dad, regaling him with all the funny tales of Scout’s antics.
And when I got home, stressed and sobbing, Scout was ready to cover me with licks and love.
When Dad passed, Scout helped me navigate my grief. Now Scout is a therapy dog. We visit care homes for people with dementia, where he spreads many smiles. He reminds me to make the most of life. I can tackle anything with him by my side.
My Rescue Pet Rescued Me: Amazing True Stories of Adopted Animal Heroes by Sharon Keeble (£8.99, Summersdale) is available now.