FOR the last two years, my eldest son has put a pet dog on the top of his Christmas list.
And for two years, that little bundle of fur has failed to appear.
Throughout that time, I've listened to his non-stop nagging, looked at the constant stream of pictures he prints out of his favourite breeds and then there's been the heart string puller - the beautiful drawing of our family of five with a little dog sitting beside him.
I've told him numerous times that I don't need another creature to feed, clean up after and care for.
I've also lost count of how often I've heard him tell me, 'I promise I'll feed him and walk him, I'll even clean up after him' before he adds, 'Mum, you know it would be so much fun'.
As much as I know everything he has suggested is true, it has all failed to convince me that we need a dog in our family.
With three kids, a full-time job and the rest of what life throws at us, I ask myself why I would want anything more complicated added into the mix?
Why would I saddle myself with more obligations, particularly when the four-legged friend will make demands on me forever?
I know the commitment that comes with owning a dog and it's these questions from my son that have re-ignited all those memories.
It's been just over four years since our beloved dog died, that day in May 2012 when we said goodbye to our big goofy golden labrador for the last time.
For months after, there were tears for the loss of our 10-year-old dog Mac.
There were tears too as we remembered the wonderful memories he had given us, his charm, devotion and often silly antics still bring a smile to my face.
He was playful, fun-loving, kind and a tad mad - but that's what made us love him even more. He had a unique bond with my eldest boy, he was his protector.
As our son grew up, we were lucky enough to be able to watch the distinct bond he developed with our canine friend - one that was strong, boundless and unconditional.
Our big dog had a sunny, infectious disposition and enthusiasm for life that added so much to our family.
But his death shook us all. Some people don't understand the pain many face when they lose a pet, but it hit us hard.
I have never felt in the right place to bring another dog into our home. Until now.
I admit my heart is softening and I'm now wavering, especially when I remember the delight Mac brought into our lives.
Yes, having a dog is a lot of hard work and the trauma of losing a pet is a cruel reality I will never forget.
But in the process, it gives us, and particular our children, the opportunity to learn about responsibility for another life.
While owning a dog may not be as costly or as demanding as bringing up a child, they are the closest we can get.
They are completely dependent on their owners for their wellbeing and require active ownership. You don't just own a dog, because the dog owns you too.
But dogs offer unconditional love and are wonderful and faithful in so many ways. They serve as a reminder that some bonds are stronger and more deeply felt that you realise.
Getting a family dog, which I hope we will do very soon once again, allows our children to learn that while there are many dogs in the world, this particular one will be theirs.
Dogs make fantastic guardians as well as being wonderful friends. They teach us an awful lot about life.
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Competition
Sun-kissed skin is top of the list when it comes to our summer-time priorities and bBold has the perfect tan.
Whether you prefer a light summer glow or an extremely exotic look, Smart Mousse from bBold has a unique three stage colour control technology that allows you to achieve your desired shade in less than three hours.
It contains Aloe Vera extracts which help tone, protect and moisturise your skin, Vitamin E to assist in improving skin texture and help reduce signs of premature ageing and Kahai Oil for long-lasting hydration.
These ingredients combined, provide a pleasant and refreshing fragrance allowing you to feel fresh and fabulous throughout your entire tanning process this summer.
I have six fab bBold gift bags on offer, which include Smart Mousse (175ml), Flawless Legs (75ml) and two spray mitts.
To be in with a chance to win, simply email your name, address and telephone number - along with the answer to the question below - to competitions@irishnews.com
Closing date for entries is Tuesday July 5 at noon.
(Q) Name the oil in the bBold Mousse that provides long-lasting hydration to the skin?
Normal Irish News Rules Apply
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What's Hot!
Holidays - Get ready for the holiday season with the best summer product pick from Elemis. The new tan accelerator prepares the body for the sun by stimulating its natural melanin production before sun exposure.
Date for your diary - The Hans Sloane Chocolate and Fine Food Festival, which attracts thousands of chocoholics and enthusiastic foodies every year, is set to take place from September 23 - 25. More than 15 chocolatiers and 40 local artisan food producers are due to set up camp at the historic Killyleagh Castle for the weekend-long festival.
What's Not!
Warnings - Adele swore 33 times during her 90-minute headline set on the Pyramid Stage at the iconic music festival Glastonbury. The singer admitted during her performance she had been warned by the BBC to tone down her language as her set was broadcast live to millions.
Not 'Ab Fab' - It appears Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are not fans of Kim Kardashian. The Ab Fab ladies have been quick to deny that Kim has a secret cameo in their new movie - because they never had any intention of asking her.
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Competition winners
The winners of last week's competition to win a copy of The Truth About Julia are Veronica Teggart from Ballyhoran, Celia Rafferty from Dungiven and Sarah Collins from Mullaghbawn.
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Easy Peasy Recipe
This week's Easy Peasy Recipe is tomato baked chicken.
You will need:
8 large chicken thighs
350g basil, Parmesan and cherry tomato ready-made sauce
1 punnet of button mushrooms
4tbsp of freshly chopped basil
350ml chicken stock
500g baby potatoes
40ml olive oil
100g-200g cheese, optional
To make:
Preheat your oven to 180ºC.
Colour the chicken in a frying pan of hot oil and then place into a baking dish along with the basil, Parmesan and cherry tomato sauce, whole button mushrooms and half of the basil.
Add the chicken stock.
Place the dish in the oven and cook for 25 minutes.
While the chicken is cooking, boil the baby potatoes until cooked.
Drain and serve the potatoes on a plate, placing the chicken on top of them.
Finish by sprinkling the other half of the basil, drizzling the olive oil over the top and add cheese if using it.
Do you have an Easy Peasy recipe you would like to share?
Are you the queen of quiches, magnificent at muffins or can you turn out some nice scones?
If so, then we want to hear from you.
You can send your name, address, contact number and recipe (plus photo if possible) to:
Easy Peasy Recipes,
Suzanne McGonagle,
Irish News
113-117 Donegall Street,
Belfast,
BT1 2GE
or
s.mcgonagle@irishnews.com
