David has become JD’s hero in super-quick time. He now thinks of himself as being a permanent fixture at DMs side, from where he manages his world by looking after David. It’s funny to think that David had exactly the same heebeegeebees that I had when I got Archie. When I got him, he just wasn’t Toby and I couldn’t get my head around that simple fact. DM went through this same grief-stricken phenomenon when we first took JD home. I came home after leaving them all in the house together on the first full day to find David distraught with misery that JD wasn’t Archie. Boy did I know that feeling.

I persuaded David to give it a proper go because it wouldn’t be fair to JD to not give him a chance to let us get to know him. He (thankfully) agreed and JD was given a stay of execution. You see – it may seem dead simple – you go to a rescue, get a dog, take him home and love him but it’s so much more complex a decision than that, especially when there are such recent and raw memories of another dog. My heart was breaking both for Archie (who I was unable to help) and for JD - who I could help and I was determined to do precisely that. I persuaded David to give it a couple of months and then decide on the next steps.

Weirdly, whether JD sensed how precarious his life with us was or whether he recognised David’s grief, he made his beeline straight for my wonderful husband and has spent the last month worming his way right to the centre of David’s heart. Phew.

David can’t take a step without JD. The boy sits in his office while he’s working and every time David gets up from his chair, he’s by his side and waiting for the next thrilling step, wondering where it will lead. He’s full of energy and enthusiasm while at the same time, he's a gentle soul. He’s a proper cutie.

Tonight I came home from work and because they’d all been out for a good romp, we could settle down on the sofa and wile away a couple of hours watching telly and relaxing. JD sidled up next to David and curled himself up in the crook of his knees. It was a wonderful sight given the recent past traumas and I decided that showing them settled in together so nicely would be an ideal shot for today. JD barely even looked up when I went out of the room to get a camera – he’s his new Daddy’s boy alright.