Some 11 years ago after selling our first house we were settled in our new house, and decided to get another dog to be friends with our old elderly English Springer Spaniel Max, and ageing German Shepherd Zac. We looked at many breeds, but always seemed to go for the whiskery, hairy type of dog, loving their seemingly goofy looks and gentle and kindly expression.

We finally settled upon an Italian Spinone having met 2 in a park some months earlier, and having fallen head over heels in love !

Puppies even 11 years ago were few and faw between, so to find some listed in a magazine, we were on the phone immediately, and in the car 2 hrs later heading north.

That afternoon in the depth of winter, we drove from Hertfordshire all the way up to Gloucestershire. We'll never forget that drive, it was freezing fog, misty and we could hardly see the edge of the road in front of us.

Almost lost for finding the breeders, we suddenly came to a lonely house in the middle of nowhere where we stopped, wound down the windows.... the smell of disinfectant wafting in the wind, we decided that yes, we were probably here !

After meeting the breeder and staying for hours and hours, we finally were allowed to take home our new puppy, wrapped her up in her new bed, we ventured on the long drive home. Smiles on our faces despite the bad weather drawing in and the sheer fact we certainly wouldn't be getting home anywhere nearer than midnight.

We sailed home happy as could be with our little treasure. We called that 'treasure' Téa, and unbeknowingly back then did we know that she would change our lives forever, for the better.

Thank You Téa - our first Spinone, who showed us and your many canine students, the Spinone ways of stealing food, socks, your dinner or anything else barely edible. 

Most also showed us more love, kisses and cuddles (and slobber) than any other dog ever could. We shall certainly never, ever forget you.

Téa age 8 years, our 'silver foxy laydee' !