18/08/2026
18th August is so very special to me, for so many reasons….
1. The day in 2000 that my precious Tilly and Sally came home, and totally transformed everything I thought I knew about dogs
2. The day in 2005 that Elaine and I got together, after I invited her to Tilly and Sally’s birthday party. (I cannot pretend there was no ulterior motive!)
3. The day in 2012 that we had our Civil Partnership - OMG what a day and what a party that was! Even though our wonderful and way-out Celebrant forgot to turn his phone off for the ceremony! Everyone just cracked up! 😂😂
4. And the day in 2025 that we converted our Civil Partnership to marriage - the registrar’s phone stayed silent! Followed by a Sweet and Savoury Afternoon Tea with bubbles - it was a Monday, and we were the only people in the place! We never stopped laughing…. And we’re still laughing, even though often maybe we shouldn’t… but that’s us….
And two more “special” reasons, certainly not laughing for these…. But the date is even more significant because we didn’t choose it….
5. 2002 - the anniversary of Elaine’s Dad’ passing, before I had even met her.
6. 2022 - the anniversary of our sweet little Oliver’s passing. Such a gentle, beautiful boy, he never had a bad word to say to anyone, especially his “Sis”, Sophie who never allowed him to put even a paw out of place. He adored her. And he chose this date - we felt it should have been sooner, but he did one of those amazing “rallies” that people and animals sometimes do, even managing a last ride in his “bus” to his favourite park, before lying down for the final time. But he’s still around us. We love you, Ollie! ❤️🐾🌈
Today will be a quiet celebration for us. But we have so many memories, and so many wonderful friends, family, and animals who are both. And we will end the day laughing….😀
Just so, so grateful for all of it. And especially to Elaine - my wife, my best friend and the love of my life.
Those people, back in 2005, who said we’d never last 6 weeks, got it a bit wrong, didn’t they?? By 21 years and counting!!
😂😂💖🐾🙏🎉💖