This little thing is our new beginning. She symbolises a new part of our life. Rosie and Archie were, as Ray rightly put it, a double act. The double act died when Archie did and although Rosie chased a million tennis balls with JD he didn’t replace Archie in the partnership.

Now we have a new family or team as David puts it. We have two dogs that WE chose (by we I mean the two of us together, rather than ones David inherited).

Lola brings a joy to your home that we’d not experienced in recent times. I can’t tell you the joy of being “Lola’d” Being “Lola’d” is like a small hurricane hitting you with tongues, teeth and claws all present but in the least offensive of ways. She’s also made JD a proud brother and loving companion – he’s a more confident and changed person (dog) since she’s been here.

I am also in a new beginning phase of my world – I have been in freshers week this week for my new course and am excited by the start of my lectures next week.

I may write more later but I'm torn between Claz who thinks I should chuck up photos of Lola with no words and DM who wants me to stop this to go to the pub.....he's winning!