And how it took an old, scruffy dog with the bravest, biggest heart to help heal my broken one, by showing me I wasn’t alone.

As we reach the top of the hill, we come to a pause and rest against the drystone wall. The whole of the valley sweeps below us and, as we look across the Dales, Ben kisses me. His nose is cold, but his lips are warm, and it’s sweet and slow and just right. And I think how all it took was one good thing to change my life, and now it’s filled with so many.

‘So what does the rest of your life look like?’

He looks at me, his eyes searching mine.

‘This.’ I smile. ‘It looks like this.’

An Epilogue of Sorts

I used to hear people talking to their dogs in pubs, or on walks in the park, and think they were a bit barmy. But then Harry came into my life and I was let into the secret: animals are just so great to talk to. Especially dogs. Not only because they’re brilliant listeners and don’t answer back, but because they make the best confidants.

I can tell Harry anything and he’s never going to judge or criticize me. I don’t have to worry that he’s going to think me silly or pathetic. Whatever I say, I know he’ll still love me, because a dog’s love is unconditional. Moreover, I’ve never been able to open up to anyone in the way I do to Harry. It’s like a form of therapy. On our daily walks, at home on the sofa, or in the middle of the night when I used to be unable to sleep, I’ll find myself having conversations with him.

And I’m not the only one.

I often hear Valentine talking to Harry on the sofa, when I’m in the kitchen making tea and he thinks I can’t hear. And the other day Stanley told me he tells Harry all his secrets, as he knows they’re safe with him. He also pointed out that ‘Dog’ is ‘God’ spelled backwards, and how cool was that? Stanley also said that talking to Harry helps him articulate his feelings. Well, he didn’t say the word ‘articulate’ – that was his teacher. She also asked if I’d ever thought about training Harry as a therapy dog, which is something Gisele’s old care home suggested, as he was such a huge hit with their residents that time.

To be honest, Harry is no spring chicken; I don’t know if it would be too much for him or even if he’d pass all the necessary assessments. Still, it’s something to think about. Stanley says Harry is a hero and would definitely pass. As proof, he insisted that we draw up a list of all the wonderful things he’s taught us. Big and small. So, for example, these are the things we’ve learned from Harry:

1. Live in the moment

2. Be brave

3. Don’t hold a grudge or sulk