Kookie was born on, or about, 16th August 1986 and for the first few months of her life, she was ill-treated by her owners who tried to beat her into becoming a vicious guard dog.

Her owner’s neighbours kidnapped Kookie and nursed her back to some sort of health before they handed her over to Battersea Dogs Home.

I visited Battersea on 16th August 1987 where I saw Kookie for the first time. She was cowering in a corner and looked as if she was just relieved that she was no longer being beaten. After 2 hours of coaxing Kookie came out of her kennel. A further 2 hours later, with a lot of gentle encouragement, Kookie left Battersea. Not only was her life changed dramatically; so was mine.

Although sometimes ‘stubborn’ Kookie was  the perfect dog. She was loving, caring, very wise and had a wonderful sense of humour. She protected me, my family and her little brother; and changed so many people’s lives. In spite of her horrible beginning in life, Kookie did not have an ounce of anger in her, and whoever met her benefited.

Some 12 months after having Kookie, I was  thinking of changing my form of employment but didn’t know what I wanted to do. Walking along Mill Hill Broadway with Kookie, I decided to buy her a treat – and could not find anywhere to do this. Magically, I decided on opening a much needed pet shop.

I was aware of the number of dogs in the Mill Hill area from my regular trips to the park and open spaces. Many of my new found friends  encouraged me that this service was much needed; and so my training began.

I took a year off work and went on as many courses as possible; i.e. nutrition, grooming, behaviour etc. and in spite of family and friends thinking I had gone mad, I kept looking at Kookie who seemed to encourage me all the way. My shop in Mill Hill opened in July 1989.

The shop became successful with Kookie as it’s mascot. She was well known by virtually the whole of Mill Hill and surrounding areas. A few year’s later when the Local Authority decided to ‘ban’ dogs from local parks and open spaces – I began a campaign and eventually formed an Association known as BARDO, I was fighting for Kookie’s rights to play with her friends in the parks and open spaces. Kookie became well known at Barnet Town Hall during demonstrations and meetings.

Eventually, we won our case and the proposals of the Local Authority were overturned. BARDO is still going strong today.

Sadly, Kookie passed away on 30th June 2003 (almost 17 years of age). She is buried next to the kennels where she is still overlooking us, and her spirit lives on. I had 16 wonderful years with her, and without her the shop; the kennels and the association formed for the rights of dogs would not have been established.

She was truly an angel sent to me to enhance my life and the lives of so many – humans and dogs alike.

Lynda Agras