Extract from my diary dated May 1986

May 86
A beautiful golden cocker spaniel has come into our lives. H phoned to say she was looking after her and did we want her. Apparently a young couple bought her and only had her a couple of nights and couldn’t cope. They said she was neurotic! Talked it over with J and we agreed we would take her. Owners brought her down. Yuppy types. Think they didn’t want to keep her because she peed on their white shag pile carpet!!! She is a gorgeous little pup. Golden and absolutely beautiful.
Thought of lots of names to call her but Joe’s suggestion of Cindy the night before she arrived seemed to suit her best so Cindy it is. She sleeps by my bed at night in a little closed nest I have made her and when she wakes I only have to put my hand down to pat her and she cuddles up to it and quietens down and goes back to sleep. Everyone says I shall regret it because once in the bedroom always in the bedroom. We shall see.
Written later:
Forgot to write that H has had an accident on her scooter - came out of Charing X hospital after work and was hit by a taxi. She was very upset when she phoned to tell me and asked if she could come home. J just off work but he and D immediately drove up to pick her up and brought her back to be looked after at home.
Her leg is very painful but I dressed it and managed to make it comfortable by resting it on a pillow. She couldn’t settle down when she went to bed so I stayed and cuddled her until she dropped off to sleep.
She stayed for 10 days or so, until her leg felt better.