4 years ago today we adopted Hero who was then 12 months old, having just said goodbye to our dear 12 year old Staffie, Poppet.

This is just a short message to you on Hero’s 5th Birthday to reassure you that he is being well cared for and to thank you so very much for letting us share our lives with one of the finest, fun to be with, good tempered, child loving, playful dogs we have ever had the privilege to live with.

Hero is a big Tiger Brindle, beautifully marked, very lively and makes friends wherever he goes.

Hero now lives in Warminster, Wiltshire. He goes absolutely everywhere with us, which has recently included camping and walking the Wessex Ridgeway, then a walking holiday in Somerset. He has loads of stamina.

We went to a dog-friendly pub in Devizes, called the Fox & Hounds. When we ordered our roast dinner, Hero was also given a ‘dog roast’ of chicken and vegetables at no charge! We could do with more places like that who welcome dogs to accompany guests into the restaurant! We also found a great dog-friendly hotel – The Bourne Valley Inn, near Andover. Dogs allowed in the bar, the Restaurant, everywhere. Great walks and dog-mad staff!

My daughter rescued Poppy, who had a very rough start in life – she’s Hero’s best friend now and what a lovely pair they make together!

Rest assured, Hero has his forever home with us.

Thanks once again, keep doing your great work!

Duncan and Karen (formerly from Littlehampton).

Thank you, Duncan and Karen, for your lovely story and it’s brilliant to see Hero in such an ideal home.