11 October 2023 , 19:32
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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.
Linda Nolan's dog BettyThe 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.