In With the New...

Hello dear friends,

So, finally an end to 2020 with its sadness and tragedy and fear.  But it was also a time for reflection, for thinking about possible changes to our lives, some of which may well be for the better.  So I wish you and your loves - be they human or canine or feline...a safe and happy 2021.  At least we can hug our dog because I know we can't wait till we can hug each other too.

This photo is of me in doggy heaven!  And no, they are not my  dogs except for one: my boy, Ours (French for Bear) who is sitting nearest to my knee - and in the photo below, sitting on my lap and believe me, he's far too big for that!  The other dogs are being walked by a friend of mine, Karen September.  She is a well-known dog trainer (she trained with Cesar Millan) and a dog walker in Monaco. She is 'Happy Dog MC' on Facebook. Three times a week she brings her charges to this naturewalk which is the other side of the valley to my house and sometimes Ours and I join her - he loves walking with other dogs, being a scared rescue dog he is so much more confident in a pack.

These dogs live mostly in Monaco but a few from the areas nearby and many are rescue dogs now living their best lives.  All over the world there are so many animal charities needing our support with an endless supply of dogs and cats looking for a forever home. Adopt Don't Shop! and if you can't adopt, then please consider giving financial support if you can.

We are sitting on 'Milou's Bench' - Milou was an American cocker spaniel who came to stay with me, en pension, when he was 3 years old as his owner was in hospital - sadly she passed away and so Milou became my dog and my love until he died 12 years later.  This bench is in his memory,  named for him and with an inscription carved by the Mayor of Gorbio in the wood: 'My little dog—a heartbeat at my feet' - by Edith Wharton. Milou was my first dog when I moved to France and he got me through some of the difficult times. I'll never forget him. He lives forever in my heart as do all the dogs and humans who have passed on.

Thank you dear friends for all your support over the years - it means everything to me.  Stay safe - blessings and love to you for 2021.

Jilly xxx

www.jillybennett.com