'Along with the chemotherapy, my dog Betty is the best medicine for cancer'

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'Along with the chemotherapy, my dog Betty is the best medicine for cancer'

This adorable little flat, fluffy face of eyes is Betty. Betty the Second – Or Elizabeth II, as my brother prefers to christen her – because there was another Betty (Boo) before her.

She’s my doggie, although some kind friends are looking after her these days while I live with Denise and her partner Tom (who aren’t doggy people – sorry guys, I’ve outed you!). I still spend as much time with her as I can, because, along with the chemo, she’s the best medicine for cancer.

This week we’ve been for lunch, and she particularly enjoyed this photo shoot. No problems posing, our Betty. A true Nolan. This week I’ve started getting some headaches I haven’t had before, and like any twinge nowadays I can’t help but worry. Is it my cancer? I thought the same when my shortsightedness worsened, too, although according to the opticians that’s just age.

'Along with the chemotherapy, my dog Betty is the best medicine for cancer' eiqehiqkridetinvLinda Nolan's dog Betty

The headaches might be connected to the Covid jab I had on Saturday, but whatever it is, Betty’s helped take my mind away from the worry. Dogs have a knack for keeping you in the moment. My late husband Brian and I had a pup called Hudson who was wonderful when I suffered depression after Brian died. He would lie by me in bed when I couldn’t get up.

Coleen gave me Betty. She brought in a bag and I said “whose is that?” and she said “yours”. I opened it up and saw eyes. Betty’s been by my side when I’ve fallen. I dropped the food I was carrying all over the floor but she didn’t go near it. She sat on my feet and stayed with me.

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She makes you feel like no other when she rushes up and greets you, jumping up and licking you. She’s a licker. I’m hoping to spend some time back at my house soon, and I’d like Betty to come with me. She’s the best company. It doesn’t matter what you’re going through, a dog makes it better.

Linda Nolan

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