Brave for the Other.

For 60 days straight—sometimes for several hours a day—we walked in all weathers. Virtually every day since his diagnosis, we covered the miles: up London Road, along the Bridgewater Canal, through Walton Gardens, and around Hillcliffe. We even nicknamed that steep stretch up London Road “Cardio Hill.”

It was difficult. There was the constant struggle of coaxing a cat out, gently unfolding his weathered body, and cleaning eyes and legs that he insisted on repeatedly biting. But like a prisoner finally granted release, the absolute payoff was witnessing his zest for life once he was out there.

What we carry with us now is the memory of that effort. Even when taking the long route in the pouring rain—while Ruby remained shielded from the elements, tucked under the waterproof cover of his pram with a hot water bottle—it was always worth it. None of it would have been possible without taking that first small step, choosing one kind thing, and being Brave for the Other.

This journey inspired me to capture these lessons of courage, pet loss, and the bond between humans and animals. I have written a children’s picture book titled Brave for the Other. This illustrated book is available as a digital PDF for £7.99, featuring a moving story and beautiful artwork that celebrate the spirit of our companions.

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