The law of Sod strikes again. Here we are in early May. After months of waiting, the warm, sunny, beautiful weather has arrived here in rustic Kent. Perfect for strolling through the apple orchards, camera at the ready to capture the bugeoning blossom on acre after acre of serried ranks of apple trees.

And what happens? Henry our Golden Retriever goes and gets ill. Over last week end, he wasn`t feeling well, refusing food, just laying around. So, off to see ace vet Dave Cocker again. Dave kept Henry in for scans, blood tests and disgnosed an enlarged heart. In fact, says Dave, "Henry`s heart is all over the place." There were also some other contributory liver and other problems, so Henry has been on loads of pills and under firm instructions to have complete rest until we were able to take him back to see Dave again today.

The latest news is that Henry feels better in himself, the fluid on his abdomen has gone away but his heart is still playing up quite badly. So, the heart medication has been increased and I think it`s a question of getting the `dosage` right. We`ll see what the progress has been when we take Henry back to see Dave again next Monday.

So far, £298 and counting.....but the loyalty, the companionship and the sheer pleasure of being out and about with a good friend is priceless. I hope for both our sakes, Henry can get through this and enjoy life again soon. And Sod`s law can be put back in its box.