I never thought I’d be back in this place – waiting for a moment’s peace, a foot of space, a chance to sit down.  But it’s happening again.  The children are at school, my chores are done, I have the laptop in front of me.  So, what’s different?

She’s wet, nippy, always close to my heels.  She’s our new dog, Hazel, dropped off at a sanctuary with her three brothers two months ago.  We went to see her and here we are now: an eleven week old bundle of Springer, Lurcher and ‘unknown’ has raced into our lives and claimed our precious time.  And you know what?  I’m crazy about her.  Especially when she’s sleeping…

The saying goes, ‘a dog is a man’s best friend’.  Why this misogyny?  Why not a woman?  I was trying to think about what people put in for a woman’s best friend, and all I could recall were shoes, chocolate, cosmetics ‘because you’re worth it.’

Eugh.

Women get a face cream, men get a dog.  Another instance of gender inequality I suppose.

So, here’s what I’m doing.  I am claiming Hazel as my writing, cooking, cleaning, everything (slightly stinky) companion.  Maybe I’ll dedicate my next book to her.   There are no dogs in it yet, but you never know…