A Dog Is For Life!

It was  Christmas Eve, 1979 and I was 8 years old. There was much excitement and I was allowed to stay up late. Most probably because my parents knew it was pointless sending me to bed too early as I wasn't going to go to sleep as I was over excited. I sat beside the Christmas tree thinking how magical it looked, when I heard a commotion and the living room door flew open. A streak of black seemed to fly around and I couldn't make out what it was. Then I could make out four massive paws and a very waggy tail! His name was Benjy and he was the Christmas present, I and will never forget when I got him. Not an ideal present to give anyone at Christmas time because it took a huge committment of time, energy and money to look after him but he became my best friend and grew up with me. However...a dog is for the whole of it's life...NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS!!

Rophin Vianney