Little did I realise just how much our life was going to change when I agreed to having a sheep-dog-collie puppy. Now I can't believe that I actually conceded. We sat on a bale of hay in a stable deciding which puppy to take. They all looked alike really all cute, soft, cuddly black and white bundles of fluff. I rather liked the mother, a proud, elegant and affectionate lady who was probably enjoying the rest from her work of rounding sheep on the farm for which she is highly prized.

Outside the handsome father of the pups strutted arrogantly around his kennel, also a working dog though not as reliable as his partner. I should have known that we were in for trouble.

After the third visit Paul decided on his puppy to be - (his partner in crime). He chose a bitch as they were noted for their loyalty and subservience (rather like his wife!!). I was rather worried that she appeared to be rather slow and less aware of us as the other puppies. Paul however interpreted this as independance. Another bad omen!

I was quite excited about our new addition to the family. She was cute and cuddly with perfect symmetrical markings ; until she took a bout of travel sickness on my lap on the way back from the farm! She was beginning to make her mark.

Because she was to be a mountain rescue search dog it seemed appropriate to name her after a mountain, hence she was called Meaghaidh after Crag Meaghaidh in Scotland.

So as not to make her soft she was to live outside in her own kennel. This saved the carpets and furniture from her rasping teeth. Hence this marked the beginning of DIY for the dog and the end of all domestic chores for the house. First a kennel had to be built then a pen so that she could have a run, modify the garden, a travel box for the car and so it went on. Life centred around the dog. We were either tied to staying at home or taking her everywhere with us. Paul and the dog were inseperable she even went to work with him where she was fortunate to walk on Kinder, canoe, climb etc. We even had to take her to the pub with us.

Although she lived outside at night the house began to show evidence of a dog as a corner of the kitchen was taken over by her food and kit for the hill. Her water and food bowls always seemed to be in the way and so did she as she crept into the sitting room at night.

As Meaghaidh grew from day to day it became obvious that this sleek, pretty lady with a shining coat and long dark eyelashes and sad eyes was gradually coming between me and my husband.The dog had to be walked every morning and night come rain, snow or hail. Every Tuesday evening was training with other search dogs and one weekend each month they would both attend national SARDA training in the Lakes or Yorkshire etc. This always fell on weekends when we were expecting visitors or the inlaws - typical!

Finally having thought of putting an advert in the classified section for the paper. "Wanted - one man - no dog - to make a good husband must have no canine attachment!"

I decided if I can't beat them then I should join them. So off I went to Keswick one wet miserable February to body for the SARDA assessment. Having spent 6 hours a day, for 3 days in a bivy bag waiting to be found by search dogs and not being found at all I concluded that I was too cunning at hiding! This was definitely not for me.

We now have a 16 week old little boy who must be feeling rather like he doesn't know who his father is. He rarely sees him what with work and his dog. When he does see him he is usuually accompanied by his dog and the poor little fellow has to get used to wet licks from the dog, hairs on his clothes, toys going astray and weekends without his daddy. However I am sure when he ís older he will get his own back. He'll have lots of fun with the dog and I suppose they will be the best of friends maybe daddy will lose his dog to his son! (Oh no we are not having another dog though! And maybe I'll lose my son as well as my husband.

I know this account makes me sound like a bitter and jealous wife but I'm not really sure, my husband and the dog have an intense relationship but I accept that this is what is required if she is to qualify as a SARDA dog. I am proud of his dedication and hard work and will be equally as impressed as him if the dog does qualify.

I can't imagine life without the dog now she is certainly a part of our family and a special character with an important mission. The day she returns from a search knowing that she has saved some unfortunate being from the elements and from danger will make all the hard work and sacrifice seem worthwhile. (Even if the call out is halfway through a dinner party with friends and family).

(Photographs by David Lynch)