WHAT’S THE ANSWER?
Solutions to Chat issue 13 (31 March 2022)
Puzzle 3 Igloo
Puzzle 4 Astral Weeks Puzzle 5 2A, 2C, 3C, 3D, 4D Puzzle 6 Solo
Puzzle 7 Kettle
Puzzle 8 Rose Ayling-Ellis Puzzle 9 Madeira cake
Puzzle 10 Jaguar Puzzle 12 Petal Puzzle 13 Swan Puzzle 14 Ocarina Puzzle 15 Lisbon Puzzle 16 Mary Poppins Puzzle 17 Iguana Puzzle 18 Jane Eyre
Dear Casper,
When you joined our family in March 2011, I soon realised you were the perfect fit. My beautiful German shepherd-husky cross, you’d been left to die in a shed by breeders. Heartless.
You and your sister were the only survivors.
And when we saw your photo on the RSPCA website, the deal was sealed.
‘We have to have him,’ I told my hubby Gwyn, then 39.
A lovely companion for us and our kids Scott, then 7, and Brooke, 3.
You were a wilful pup, but you became calmer with training, well-behaved and gentle. Playfully running around with our guinea pigs. My gentle giant.
As you grew, you looked more and more like a wolf. People didn’t know what a softie you were, crossed the road in fear.
In June 2020, I became poorly with headaches, dizziness and vomiting. I was referred to a neurologist for scans.
A week later, I got a call. ‘It’s a meningioma brain tumour,’ the doctor said. The tumour was grade two and benign.
The size of a tennis ball, it was in the right frontal lobe of my brain. Later that year, in November, I had surgery to remove it. Spending four days in hospital, no visitors allowed. When Gwyn picked me up, I was thrilled to see you by his side, wagging your tail furiously. ‘I’ve missed you too,’ I smiled, stroking your head. Recovery was tough. Gwyn took time off work to look after me, but then it was just me and you.
Bed bound, I was grateful for you as you lay beside me.
At the height of COVID-19,
I was shielding, but you kept me company.
As I regained my strength, we went for walks together.
Instinctively, you knew I wasn’t well, walking slowly and looking up at me to check I was OK.
The tumour impacted my memory. I’d forget names and faces, struggled with anxiety and depression.
Sometimes, my thoughts became dark, but I went for counselling.
And when Gwyn was working and the kids were busy with school, you were my saviour.
We persevered together, a couple of survivors.
In February 2021, I did the 10,000 steps challenge, raising £1,710 for the Brain Tumour Research charity, who had helped me so much.
I wanted to thank you too, so I entered you in the RSPCA Best Lockdown Buddy contest.
And in June 2021, you were announced a winner!
If it wasn’t for you, Casper, I don’t know where I’d be. I don’t think I’d have got through the last few years. Thank you will never be enough.
People didn’t know what a softie you were
Love from your human, Heidi x Heidi Lee, 48, Derby