Over recent weeks I have not been as healthy as usual, resulting in lowered mobility and pain. Ever the optimist I have been hoping that the new medication would “kick in” as they say and I would be back to normal.

During this time the lovable Dora was at home during the day, while her guardians were at work. So as usual I would make myself get up, go the short distance in the car, and collect her for the day. At first I thought this was for her benefit, so she would have company for the day and not be alone, watching television, sleeping or whatever dogs do when they are totally by themselves for the day.

It did not take me long to know who was really getting the benefit. First I had to get out of bed. There were days when it would have been easier to stay where I was, just lie there and hope the day would pass, but that would have left me feeling miserable and depressed. So I got out of bed. Her expressions of delight at my arrival, the licks, jumping up, barking and nearly knocking me over, were very welcome and brightened my mood for the day.

We would go for several short walks, as that was all I could manage, but at least I was walking. Exercise is good and a bit of Vitamin D from the sunshine helped.

We had our talks, well I do most of the talking but she listens and when she thinks I am unhappy she will come over and pat me on the arm or shake my hand. Those expressive brown eyes show so much love and understanding.

So what have I learned from having a dog as company in a period of ill health?

I have learned that an animal can be a source of pleasure, a reason to get up in the morning, a great companion, a friend to play, laugh and talk with, someone to touch.

Thank you Dora

Do Dog writes:

A long time ago when Dad first moved into a unit and had me there on the weekends Granny went to great expense and purchased a pet loo for me (as a birthday present for him, no less).

She tried to explain to me what it was for and one day she came over in her finery to go to The Opera and decided to put me up on it and teach me to use it. Lifting my leg, pointing and all that sort of rubbish.

Well I was quite amused!!! You should have seen the antics, and I understood what she was about, but I decided to play the dumb dog!

She went on and on much to the amusement of Dad who was watching behind the scenes. I stood there like the Princess I am, head held high and pretended that I was on the Catwalk (or should that be Dogwalk?).

Eventually of course she gave up.

Well 12 months, we moved into the house and I am there full time at the moment.

The "Pet Loo" was produced again, a big square with fake grass, quite attractive but nonetheless fake and I have continued to ignore it.

I figure that if Dad goes out they should take me or there will be consequences, a little something perhaps to keep them busy when they return and encourage them to spend more time with me......

Well they have been good lately, obviously my ploy worked, and we often all go out together.

I have been alone recently, during the day as Granny was working too occasionally but I have put paid to that, and she has been pretty reliable.

I realized that Dad was after all going to work to keep me in the manner to which I have become accustomed and I was being a bit mean.... 

So in the last week or so I have done the right thing in the right place and wow, are they ecstatic.

Lots of pats,”good dog” and liver treats!

They are now saying what an intelligent dog I am and how smart.

If only they knew!!!!

A beautiful warm sunny day as only Sydney can provide was the day we had the picnic at Jacksons Landing at Pyrmont Point near the Anzac Bridge.

Dora was her usual excited self as she loves an outing but especially when she had so many doggy companions walking by to see, sniff and bark with.

We had seafood and a glass or two of wine while sitting by the waterfront and Dora greeted each passing mutt by jumping up to say hello as they walked along the path. Dora ate her usual meal and had some treats and then we went to the doggy area where she caught up with all the new friends she was making.

She was off leash and running, jumping and making new human friends too. Lots of pats and attention. It was a blast!

The community atmosphere was great and we heard about the 200 mutts and other pets that live in this redevelopment.

As the day came to a close Dora went home tired but happy!

When my family told me they were adopting Dora, I was adamant that I would not be their dog-sitter.

A dog is a dog!

Well that was what I thought at the time. I had rules!

The dog was welcome, but only on the balcony of my unit.

The first night I looked after her she had a bed on the balcony and she had a rug. I watched her through the balcony door and every time she moved around and was uncovered I went out and covered her. I could not go to bed until they arrived home to collect her and watched over her till she went home.

Of course the next time I looked after Dora she was allowed inside but only just. I still had rules but they had relaxed a little. Time after time as she was with me she edged her way into my heart and my life.To say nothing of my unit. Now she was on the carpet, in every room and sitting next to me on the lounge .It was not much later that I had her overnight. By this time there was only one place for her to sleep. As you can tell by her photo, the rules had definitely gone and she was on my bed and now owns the lounge.

DEAR GRANNY - I KNOW ITS NEW, I KNOW IT COSTS A LOT, AND I KNOW ITS LEATHER, BUT NOW ITS MINE!

Dora is my much loved friend. I enjoy her company, look forward to looking after her and miss her when she goes home.

LOTS OF LOVE GRANNY - NOW HOW 'BOUT A KISS?

My pet name for her is Dora when we are alone as that is her name. When referring to others about Dora I tend to call her Do-dog. Do - a corruption of Dora - and dog - to let people know I am not talking about an old Aunty called Dora (such an old fashioned name).

As she was a Doggie Rescue Dog, we do not know the origins of her name. I like to think she belonged to a loving old lady who perhaps passed away, and that she was well looked after, and that is why she is such a loving dog.