Good decision by William and Kate
Dear William and Kate,
Congratulations on making one of the best decisions you have ever made: to buy yourselves a little cocker spaniel.
Thirteen years ago, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my husband and I decided to buy our 14-year-old daughter a little dog . . . just in case.
My daughter, knowing I had an irrational fear of dogs, researched all the possible dogs for a pet.
She came back with the conclusion that black and white cockers were the nicest-natured dogs as a pet. She went to breeders in Earls Barton called Mr and Mrs Pratt.
From the moment Lucie arrived in our lives they changed forever for the better. She didn’t bark, she didn’t moult, she has never growled, when anyone knocks at the front door she rushes to welcome them.
She does however, have one weakness . . . food. We now search for hotels and pubs that welcome dogs. On one occasion after dinner Lucie disappeared. One of the waitresses found her walking along the tables eating all the cheese guests had left.
Four years later my daughter went off to university and suddenly Lucie became our dog.
The simple joy we get from this little sweet natured animal is indescribable.
I’m afraid, nearly 13 years on, she has managed to wangle her way into sleeping in her bed at the bottom of our bed.
In the morning she wakes up and gives us both a kiss. She also has the knack of cuddling up to anyone who is unwell and cheering them up. I am sure she has healing qualities.
She is walked every day and is known by everyone in our village.
We have found a wonderful couple at Long Buckby called John and Trish York who look after Lucie when we go abroad. They too have fallen in love with this little black and white bundle of fun.
My only regret, Kate, is why did I wait all those years to get a cocker? At least you will have your spaniel when little ones come along!
So Kate, when William is away in the Falklands, you will never be alone with your little puppy with no name. And, of course, Kate, all those lovely long walks will keep you fit and healthy.
With love from two obsessed cocker spaniel owners.
This week two new brown bins arrived at our home. We now have to put our leftover meat, fish, fruit and veg etc in this bin.
I would love to know how much money it has cost to provide every household with these two bins. How much extra pay we are paying the bin men to empty them.
I would have thought when the council is cutting back on vital services to the elderly and disabled, this new service is just not necessary.
I am not a betting person, but I predict in less than a year these bins will be collected up and declared as a complete waste of money.
Dr Rahul Bedi is an Indian journalist and commentator.
He went into print yesterday to tell the British that the Indians don’t need the £280 million we give them every year. It was patronising, stifling and just enriched the corrupt elite. It smacked of an outdated, colonialist mindset rather than modern economic reality.
He added: “As a journalist working in Delhi, let me tell you that India is not some desperate, poverty-stricken land struggling to survive . . . it’s the opposite. It is among the world’s fastest growing economies, characterised by growing prosperity with its own nuclear weapons arsenal, but also an advanced space programme.”
OK Rahul, I think we’ve got your message. And yes, I’m pleased to hear that by 2030, it is likely that India will be the world’s second largest economy after China.
Hold it Rahul. I’m sure poor old England could do wonders with the £280 million. And while you’re at it Rahul, can you have a word with your bigwigs and ask them if they send us some Indian aid . . . we’re certainly not too proud to accept it.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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