To the animals who have now left us, I remember you all with love and affection (well, maybe not quite so much for the stick insects and praying mantis).  Thank you to all of you.  I hope I improved your life as you improved mine.

And to the ones who are still with me, huge thanks, here’s to more fun and joy.

And to those who are yet to come, looking forward to meeting you, when the time is right.

And what about all the others?  Dogs, cats and other animals belonging to other people who have also shaped my life and thoughts and left their pawprints, hoofprints and footprints stamped on my heart. You are too many to mention, but a massive thank you to you all. I would not be here now without you all.

My children

I can’t work out if it is more inappropriate and disrespectful to include them in a list of all my pets, or to leave them out.  I’ve opted to include them, in the hope that they, and maybe you, will think it’s funny.  To Anny, Ollie and Ed, you are my life.  Thank you for being you.