After loosing my labrador of 16 years my sister got me, unknown to me, a whippet cross from our local pet shop. Now 10 years on I cant imagine life without her.

I had not been planning on replacing my labrador as I worked shifts and lived alone but as soon as I saw my new friend Sam, short for Samantha, I knew that I would love her.

She has been a best friend, the love that you get from a dog is unlike anyother, it is totally unconditional. Look at dogs who are badly treated they are virtually always still pleased to be with humans.

Dogs are great for bringing down your stress levels and stroking them has been found to be very theraputic.

When I met my husband Sam took to him almost straight away and now she is more interested in him than me even though it is me who feeds her. They go running together most days and she loves this. when we were expecting our daughter we got a bit worried because we had always treated Sam like our baby, we neednt have worried. She has been great with our daughter, now 18 months. They are never left alone together however but if Millie bothers her Sam takes herself off. We make sure that Sam has time without Millie, such as meal times. We are also teaching Millie to respect dogs, very important we think, if we are out and she sees a dog she is very very excited but wont touch them.

Whippets are quite highly strung and do not like wind, fireworks and lightning however she is a very brave dog in many ways and will protect her home and family without hesitation. She does not eat a vast amount but has a tin a day plus biscuits, treats and water and has her annual jabs.

She is very fast and is great at catching rats, rabbits etc. I know some dont get on well with cats as their urge is to chase but Sam is fine with them at home.

Whippets make lovely natured companions friends but are not the best with children even though Sam is good with our daughter they should never
be left alone together, but then I feel that this applies to all dogs and children.