I was injured in an accident in 1999, but it wasn't until my father's death in 2001 that the depression and loneliness set in. To me my life was dark and I didn't want to be in it anymore. Thoughts of suicide had been in my mind, but I shook them off. As my health deteriorated and the endless trips to the hospital; I wanted to give up. Then one day my husband brought home a tiny bundle of fur. A grey-stripped tiger. I instantly fell in love with him and my life began again. Pickles was my saviour, my companion, my confident. I told him all my secrets all, my worries, we shared everything; including the bed. He grew up to become a very handsome, very friendly, very confident, young man and as it turned out he became my assistance cat and has been named 'Britain's only guide cat' I will love him forever.