At 16:45 on 06.12.24, my whole world- my best friend, co-worker and heart went to sleep for the last time. My boy was more than a pet dog, he was able to light up a room during the work that we did together. I miss him very very much and I'm not ashamed to say I'm struggling with the grief. He was my everything. 

We worked together for 6 years and I want to share his story; here it is... 

On the 24th September, 2017 I fell in love with my best friend.

You were a little bundle of black fur, little paws and gentle brown eyes, a pointy head and a little bald patch on your tummy. You wrapped yourself around my neck and that was it, my heart was yours.

But little did I know, at that moment, how much you would do and how many lives you would change. Especially mine.

A month into your time with us, we lost our beloved Great Dane, Grace and you were there, this little four month old puppy, who allowed me to sob into you as Grace crossed that rainbow bridge, I knew from that moment you were something special. Saying nothing, but having the ability to comfort me in a way no other living thing has ever done before.

At 12 weeks old, we embarked on our training. I had decided that I wanted to train you as a therapy dog, to work alongside me in my new career direction as a therapist.

We went to puppy class and there we grew our bond. You smashed it. We met some absolutely fantastic people along the way. I have friends for life thanks to you, my boy  they watched you grow alongside me and loved you nearly as much, I think.

Months passed and you accepted Milo and Nala into the pack. The three musketeers. Carving yourselves into the family, our hearts and the walls of the landing 

When you were only 12 months old, we signed up to volunteer with Pets as Therapy. Our first establishment was a nursing home for elderly people. It was here you then stole the heart of Bernice who sadly suffered with dementia. We visited her weekly and she remembered your bloody name every week. She even had a photo of you on her nightstand  she would sing to you and feed you treats, while you chewed through your lead and wandered around the damn place like you owned it.

It was about this time I noticed you were limping quite badly on your front leg and this is when we started, what I know now to be, lifelong visits to the vets.

You had elbow dysplasia and had to have surgery. But this didn't stop you. You were back at it within 6 months after rest and hydrotherapy and we started visiting a women's refuge. You stole more hearts here too.

In 2021, at 4 years old. You had your first look inside a prison. I remember walking in with you feeling nervous myself but I knew you had my back. Especially when we walked around a corner and faced a group of prisoners, you went mental, barking at them! At which point I had to remind you that you were a therapy dog and you had to be nice! You must have sensed I was nervous. Thank you for always having my back baby boy 

One day at the prison, you were sat next to a prisoner serving a life sentence and he had his arms wrapped round you. I asked him if he was enjoying his cuddle and he replied "I've not had a cuddle in 15 years." But you, Frankie boy, let him cuddle you. You came with no judgement and no care. Just love. More hearts stolen.

We worked together at the prison for a while and Shelby soon joined us. We played and laughed, you wagged your tail, and gave these men a sense of normality. Only dogs could do that, and you and Shelby both had that gift.

Then came your second bout of surgery. Elbow dysplasia round two. You rallied again baby boy.

We then went to work at a community centre and ran an animal-assisted intervention group, similar to what we did in the prison. A young lady came to this group with severe social anxiety. You worked your magic and the last I heard, she was volunteering at the community centre she was too scared to visit prior to our group, but took her first steps in there to meet you. Another group of hearts stolen.

Our final establishment was a primary school. You worked here for the longest time. Once a week we would go in and you would shine so bright. Everyone loved you, staff and children alike.

You worked closely with the SEN children, letting them prod, poke and sit on you alongside building their confidence around dogs. You were so good and you took it all in your stride. About 600 hearts stolen here baby boy.

I had to retire you in September 2024 as your arthritis just got too much. My plan was to give you the best retirement full of love, cuddles, fleesy blankets and tennis balls. Little did I know that your retirement would only last three months and I was soon to be faced with the hardest decision of my life.

Your bones finally gave up on you, and this time it was your spine. You rallied so many times Frankie baby, but this time, I had to let you go. Too much pain and no quality of life. It was unfair to keep you with me, for my own selfish needs. I had to do what was best for you.

As I reflect on everything you have done for the hundreds of people you have worked with. You make me beam with pride.

We had the best time together, I knew you worked hard so I had to reward you. Many cuddles, naps together, snuggles, blankets, holidays, walks, days out, treats, and many many many tennis balls.

You stole the hearts of so many people. But you had mine from the beginning to the end. You were my boy, my best friend, my comfort; my whole world.

Thank you Frankie, you helped me through my darkest times and out of my depression. You built my confidence and made me a better version of myself.

I will always cherish you and our memories together. And you will always always have my heart.