Dorothy’s doggie is her new chum

When Dorothy’s husband passed away she missed him terribly.

She felt terrible coming home to an empty house and hated being alone.

Knowing how much she was suffering, Dorothy’s son and daughter called her every night and tried to visit as often as they could.

Over the weeks and months, though, things didn’t get any better for their mum.

At weekends Dorothy’s grandchildren would visit and stay overnight to keep her company.

And it was Ben, her grandson, who suggested something he thought might help his gran, inspired by a TV programme he’d watched.

Why not get a dog for company, he wondered?

At first Dorothy wasn’t sure. She and her husband never had any pets as he wasn’t keen on animals.

But as the week went on she warmed to the idea. She’d always fancied a little terrier, but knew she was on a hiding to nothing when it came to trying to persuade her hubby to get one, so she’d never pursued the notion.

Now, it seemed, the time was right.

With the help of her family Dorothy tracked down exactly the breed she wanted, and a few weeks after Ben came up with his pooch plan she became the proud owner of a little Scottie called Maisie who has solved her loneliness problem.

It’s said a dog is a man’s best friend . . . but in this case it’s definitely a woman’s, too! WHEN I met Katie she was travelling on one foot and two crutches. Her other leg was in plaster after an accident.

She’s always doing something for someone, so I wasn’t surprised when she told me of her frustration at needing so many people to do things for her.

I didn’t have to talk her out of that mood, though. Her mum already had.

“I was complaining about being no use,” she said,“when Mum asked how many people I had allowed to help me, how many I had let be kind. Of course I said ‘lots’ and she said,‘Well that’s important isn’t it?’ So I’d better get back to my important work!”

The athletes of the Commonwealth

Marched before the stands Filled with crowds of cheering folk From many different lands.

What a joy for all to see, A welcome full of fun and glee!