He adored the children and allowed them to do anything with him. Although he was not a fighter, I never had the slightest doubt that he would have protected any of us to the death if necessary - not something I have really felt with any of my other dogs. Once you were part of the pack, he felt it was his responsibility and duty to check every one was safe and happy. He hated disagreements and wanted everyone to be at peace with each other and things to be harmonious. We went through some tough times together and he and Bones were a huge comfort during the break up of my marriage and subsequent divorce; I don’t know how I would have managed without them. He was a highly energetic dog, with loads of stamina and a good dose of that spaniel madness... tempered by the Labrador will to please. I’ve never known such a sensitive, intelligent dog, and we all loved him to pieces.
It’s strange finding this photo as it brings him back into focus for me. It’s nice to remember him as a young, fit dog; for a long time I only had him as an old doddery chap in my mind. Now I can once again see what he was like when he was in his prime, with his shiny chocolate fur and amber eyes... Run free, beautiful boy xxx
