THE day that changed my life was the day I met my beloved Oliver.

From the moment I first held him in my arms I knew he was the one for me. Seven years on and he brings me nothing but unconditional love and joy.

The funny thing was I had always been frightened of dogs. I was bitten by a dog as a child and the fear had stayed with me. Over the years I've had plenty of other pets including cats, rabbits and guinea pigs but never a dog.

But things changed at home. My three children were all grown up and I found myself on my own. It seemed most other people my age were in couples and I didn't have that companionship.

At that point I started to toy with the idea of getting a King Charles Spaniel. I'd met a couple of them and they seemed such lovely dogs.

Just by chance I saw an advert in the paper from someone who had some puppies for sale. My daughter rang them up and we went round there. We were given the choice of two boys. I held the other one first, but as soon as Oliver was put in my arms that was it. I knew he was the one. As pathetic as it sounds, it was love at first sight.

We took him home that night.

Since then he's given me so much more meaning to my life. Before I would have thought shall I go out somewhere for the day? oh no I won't bother. Now I think to myself shall I go to Southend or Maldon? two places where Oliver loves to play in the water. When I book a holiday now, I think of where we would both enjoy. We've been camping and caravanning together. He's made me more adventurous.

Every Sunday he has a roast dinner and we always go out for a meal for his birthday. We normally take him to one of the cafe's along the seafront, where we'll order him a children's roast dinner and transfer it into his bowl. The first time we did it I'm sure the staff thought I was a nutter. But I don't care.

I dread the day when I'm without him. He's brought so much pleasure to the whole family and because he's got such a zest for life it makes you appreciate things a lot more. He has changed my life.

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