"Hallo Becky - do you remember me? I'm Bella, the elderly Golden Retriever you rescued.

I thought I'd send you a picture of me and my mate Sandy - the first one shows you how well my fur is growing back on my face. The second one is me singing for you - "We wish you a Merry Christmas". Sandy thinks I sing out of tune so that's why he's looking very embarrassed.

I love my new home and everyone says it seems like I've lived here for ever. My favourite place is a lovely furry rug in the hall but I love the garden as well, especially when it's nice and muddy - I can roll around happily and get really messy. Then I go indoors and everyone laughs. My skin is much better now and my ears don't hurt anymore - the vet cleaned them out for me. I love going to the vet's - everyone makes a big fuss of us and there are loads of other dogs to meet. The vet says I have quite bad arthritis in my spine so no jumping and running but that suits me fine. He said I should just be allowed to amble around at my own pace. I love ambling, you get to sniff loads more smells that way. Sandy dashes around and misses all the best bits.

Thank you so much for rescuing me, I'm such a happy dog now.

Love and merry christmas to your family and everyone at ARC

Kisses and slobbers from Bella (and Sandy). xxxxxxx"