Sad news this week about one of the older dogs in our town, who has a place in the hearts of most of the local people. Lola is a Newfie and she lives in a traditional grocer’s shop, where she lazes for most of the day in the delivery van. The sliding door is left open and Lola collects cuddles from almost everyone who passes by. At the end of last year Lola had a growth in her neck but that was cured. Now she has another malignant growth and it is not responding to treatment. There is no logic to the occurrence of cancer, apart from Mesothelioma cancer. She is nearly eight years old – a good age for a Newfie – but I am afraid there will be some sad news quite soon.

As I have been dog sitting for our vicar’s dog recently, it was agreed that she should act as doggie maid of honour, and also represent our own dear departed Kev. On the day, Primrose appeared, resplendent with a beautiful cream bow tied to her collar. True to form the Standard Poodle took the proceedings in her stride and posed graciously for photos with the happy couple and guests. Some might say the ceremony was rather camp but any bereaved dog owner will understand that the presence of primrose and the other dogs helped to ease our grief that our own dog could not be with us on the happy day.

After the service we escaped to a Stratosphere hotel, something we could not have done while he was alive. But I would be very happy to trade holidays abroad for the companionship of my dog again.

I was very pleased today to read about the Animal Rescue Foundation in Chicago, which was set up by Tony LaRussa, Manager of a Baseball team over there.  The charity operates a “no-kill” policy which is especially valuable for older dogs who are homeless.  Kevin was nine years old when he was found straying in the street.  Many of our dog shelters would have put him down because older dogs are hard to rehome. Fortunately he was taken to the Mayhew Animal Home, which pledges to keep all healthy dogs alive and find them a new home.  If you are thinking of getting a dog please go to one of these shelters and give a dog a lovely home. It beats giving your money to a commercial breeder’s POS system.

Have a look at this Fab dancing golden retriever at a dog show. I hope he won first prize! It is a a long dance and the final moves are superb, so stay with it. I dance with my Mum occasionally but my dancing ability is nothing compared to this.

My friend Blondie just sent me this top video clip of talking dogs! I am sometimes a little vocal, especially when we are going out for a walk or if I am being taken for a night at my favourite pub. But I cannot compete with these dogs. The Dalamatian says ‘hello’ and the West Highland Terrier says loving things to his Mum. Have a listen and you will be amazed: I am off to practice my act.

If you have a funny, inspiring or heartwarming real-life story about your dog or a dog you would call “friend”, I have some friends who will pay you for it. This is what they are offering to any dog whose story is accepted

• US$100 “permission fee” upon publication.
• Your byline with the story
• A free copy of the dog story book when it is published

The Happy Guy Marketing is collecting stories on behalf of Snapshots of Heaven, publishers of the successful Snapshots of Heaven series, as seen on the Home Shopping Network, in over 100 TV, radio and print interviews, and on sale in major bookstores across North America. The dog volume will be the second in the series.