MY ALWAYS

Amanda Large, 47, Belfast

Dearest Toby,

Travelling to the rescue centre in the car to collect you, I was so excited.

It was 5 November 2006. Your elderly owner had gone into a hospice, and you needed a new home.

At four years old, you only had one eye, but that didn’t matter to me.

I was anticipating all the cuddles and kisses I’d get from my cute, fluffy bundle of love.

Only, you weren’t what I’d pictured at all, Toby…

Your filthy, matted hair and stubborn ways came as a shock.

Growling and snarling, I thought you’d never want to be my friend.

On the way home, I