SIX.

It's the twelfth of December; Billy's birthday. 

Billy hails from just outside Toulouse; he's a Toulousain. Border Collies are not breeds that one immediately associates with France, but he is an exception. I believe he was one of 7 siblings; and was 'headhunted' by Kimbo.

I'd been in an awful state. My previous dog, Bok, had just died, and I'd been alone at the house to cope with it all. I'd had a few really horrible weeks.

Then Lady M returned, accompanied by Kimbo holding a shoe box. The box contained an ugly little black and white puppy with a pink nose. It was Billy.

That was just six years ago, and he's not left my side since.

He no longer has that pink nose, and he's no longer ugly. In fact I would say he's grown into a very handsome young dog. 

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY my darling Billy, and bonne anniversaire. I have a lunchtime treat for you. Let's both hope we have many more years together.