What a beautiful morning we have had! Dad took today off work to do some digging in the garden, but it was so cold overnight that the ground was too hard for him to dig in. Instead he took me for a long walky in the countryside. We set out quite early and I barked all the way there in the car from excitement as I knew where we were going. I was right! The ground was very crisp and frosty but as the sun got up it melted and the woods were full of birdsong and some fascinating smells. I didn't know which way to run first, it was all so exciting!

And now, friends, I am going to say something unusually solemn for me.
On the way back to the car, Dad and I met Sophy and her Mum. Sophy is a spaniel/sheltie cross with a soft long-haired coat of fur and her Mum clearly loves her very much as that coat would take a lot of care and brushing every day to look so soft and fluffy. Now, Sophy is only six months older than me, but she moved about very slowly like an old, old dog and didn't want to run about or play. She sat in a patch of warm sunshine and seemed to enjoy it when Dad stroked her.
Sophy's Mum said sadly that Sophy is very ill. Even though Sophy looks so well cared for, with her beautiful coat. She has leukaemia and with a course of nasty treatments at the v*t's, Sophy has a 10% chance of recovery. Sophy's Mum has to decide in the next few days whether to give Sophy that chance of getting better, or whether to let her go peacefully. A very, very difficult decision to make, I am sure you will agree.

So today's photo is for Sophy. Whatever decision her Mum makes, we wish that Sophy may have as many sunny days in the countryside as possible ahead of her to enjoy. Days just like today.
Even though we may never meet Sophy or her Mum again, they both touched our hearts. Please wish them your best.