Two years ago, I finally decided that I was settled enough, and responsible enough, to take responsibility for another life. I wanted a little companion of my own — preferably a small, fluffy dog. Because, obviously, I like small fluffy dogs. 😂

So I asked my friend Gordon, who runs Malcata Animal Association, if he knew of any small fluffy dogs who might be looking for a home.

Without hesitation, he said, “Fluffy.”

A week later, Gordon brought him to the quinta so we could meet.

It was an instant connection.

Gordon and I sat talking, but Fluffy wasn't interested in Gordon or our conversation. He simply sat quietly by my legs the entire time. He had already made his decision.

He had chosen me.

The first few weeks weren't entirely straightforward. Fluffy needed some time to get used to the cats, and they certainly weren't convinced that this new fluffy intruder belonged here. But, little by little, they got to know each other. Today, they are all friends and absolutely love each other.

Well… almost all of them.

My cat Fluffy still isn't entirely convinced. Yes, you read that correctly — I already had a cat called Fluffy. 😂

Two years have now passed, and Fluffy has become my best friend.

We are together 24/7. He follows me everywhere, keeps me company around the quinta, and somehow manages to make me laugh every single day. He has brought so much joy, companionship and love into my life that I honestly can't imagine the place without him.

And he has certainly embraced his job as my right-hand man.

For fun, he loves playing catch, hunting for voles, exploring the quinta and generally making sure that absolutely nothing happens without his supervision.

Looking back, I think Gordon knew something I didn't when he simply said, “Fluffy.”

I thought I was choosing a dog.

But really, Fluffy chose me.

And two years later, I couldn't imagine my life without him. ❤️