My Story by Cracker Lewis

Today is Crackers 14th gotcha day, in celebration here is his story written by him (with a little help from his Mum). Staffies make the most wonderful friends and companions, if you are thinking of adopting a staffie please contact www.sbtrescue.co.uk.

Well I started my life in London and I wasn't treated very well there, so I was taken in a van by a kind lady to somewhere called the country. We drove for a long time and I was then handed over to someone else who owned something called a farm?

There were lots of other dogs there but they were all nervous and worried about where they were going next. I didn't care as it was nicer than my old place.

One day I heard a loud motorbike engine and I was introduced to two people called Justin and Heather. I was told I could adopt them if they liked me! Huh! The cheek, I'm the one doing the adopting, they can either like me or not, I'm not making a special effort for them. I did like Justin though as he liked to wrestle and play tug 'o' war, which I love. He was my kinda man. Well then they just said goodbye and left me which was a bit sad but I thought Oh! well, there are lots of people so I'm sure I'll find someone to adopt.

Then the next day they came back, I was really happy to see them but no motorbike, shame as I would have liked a ride on that!.

They were dressed normally and they had another human with them, I was told I could adopt them after all, which made me really happy.

This other human drove the car and I got in the back with Justin, he put his arm round me which was really nice, as between you and me I was a bit nervous as I didn't know where I was going.
Heather looked a bit nervous as well and I could tell she really needed winning over. Well that didn't take long!

I could tell she was a bit scared of going out and some people made some horrible comments about her face. Well I don't care what she looks like, she treats me well, feeds me and gives me lots of cuddles, which I love!

Not long after I started my new life I was left on my own in the flat. Well I'm sorry but I was only young and I hadn't settled in completely. Justin and Heather were my life and I thought they had gone forever. I totally freaked out and dug at anything to help me get back to them. I'm not proud of myself and I would never do anything like that now but at the time I was so scared I'd never see them again.

I felt so stupid when they came home, I hid in the wardrobe.

Well after that they bought me a crate, that was my new home and when they went out they shut the door so I felt nice and secure. It was lovely my first proper home, I used to just go in there for a quick nap during the day if I felt like it.

That year was great I finally found my place, then one evening they both went out and came back with a little thing called a puppy. I guess she was kind of cute but she loved to chew me and she had needle sharp teeth. I'd tolerate it as they seemed to want me to. For some reason they think I actually listen to what this puppy thing has to say. They even called her Boss! Well she's not mine, I do what I want, I just let her think she's in control! Well you've gotta keep the ladies happy! I am actually really quite fond of her and I had another female to look after and that made me happy.

I then met Heather's Mum who I could tell also needed winning over, one night Heather was really upset and talking about her Mum having leukemia, I saw my opportunity so the next time I saw her mum she looked very tired. I knew she liked walking so I'd take her out and pull her when she got tired or going up hills etc. She was soon won over, talk about easy!

Then I met Justin's Mum, she loved me from the start and gave me chocolates! Wow what a bit of heaven that is! Then I heard them talk about her not being well so I took Heather and Boss up to her home in North Wales to look after her.

I loved it in North Wales, I had ladies to look after and a fantastic beach where I could run around as much as I liked.

I missed Justin but he would come up at the weekends and we would wrestle, play tug 'o' war and other men's games. Don't get me wrong I love the ladies but sometimes you just need a mans company.

Well anyway life so far has been good, most of the time. I get on great with Heather but sometimes when we are out in my park and I can tell another dog has been on my patch, I need to stop and sniff the signs. She keeps calling me but I haven't finished my business. I can tell by her voice that she is getting annoyed with me, but she doesn't understand that sometimes a dogs gotta do what a dogs gotta do.

I've moved them to a different house now nearer Justin's work so he doesn't have to travel so far. Heather has learnt to drive so we go on our own little adventures on Dartmoor and we can go to the beach whenever we want.. She keeps going into hospital to have surgery on her face and now people hardly ever say anything nasty to her. I must admit I don't like it when she goes away and then she comes back smelling strange, like the vet.

I'm glad I met Justin and Heather and they allowed me to adopt them. There is only one thing I'd change and that would be a lot more cheese and chocolate, and access to the fridge. Cor! some good things come out of there!

There is only one other thing bugging me at the momment, she seems to be spending a lot of time on the computer. Something called the www.thenannydog.co.uk. She should really be giving me cuddles, but there is one good thing to come out of it, she now gives me chicken wings which I love!

Lots of love Cracker

Happy Gotcha Day Gorgeous Boy xx