Innehållsförteckning för SPRING SPECIAL 2019 från Chat Specials

We know how much you all love your pets so we’ve treated you this month to a little doggie themed special! (pg33) Pup owners tell us how their best friends have shaped their lives for the better. We also have dog owner, Liz (pg8), who has a message for the vile person who hurt her beautiful Norman. Rich (pg24) knows something about an exceptional person making a difference in his life. Daughter Cherry has been his world from the moment she was born but she’s literally turned him into a winner with her unconditional love and support. Incredibly talented Marni (pg44) has battled back against the negativity in her life and is proving to everyone she can live a fun and fulfilling life - by ignoring the people who say…

Liz Heatherly, 30, South Carolina, USA Take a look at this beautiful pup. Looks a bit different from when you last saw him, doesn’t he? That thick, glossy coat, wet nose, and the mischief in his eyes. He’s called Norman now, and he’s come on a long way. The day I found him, I thought he was lost. Me and my mum Lisa were driving along that country road where you dumped him, and saw him wobbling along, an odd white ring around his nose. He looked so alone. We got out the car and crept towards Norman to help. But he shot off, scrambling down a 6ft ravine and into a huge drainage pipe. ‘Where are his owners?’ I asked Mum, looking around. I imagined that Norman had run…

Tanya Evans, 27, South Wales Huffing, puffing, panting… nothing at all helped. It was 2009 and I was having my first child, a little boy. I knew it would hurt, but I hadn’t expected it to be this bad. I was in agony! My baby was in an awkward position and couldn’t get out, so a midwife had given me an episiotomy, where an incision is made into the perineum. Finally, he arrived safely. Healthy, weighing 7lb 14oz, he was perfect. I’d love to say that as soon as I laid eyes on my little boy, I forgot all about the pain of labour. But for me, that definitely wasn’t the case… Over the next few months, I suffered bleeding. But even then, I wasn’t that worried about it. ‘I…

Susan Reece, 36, Bridlington Standing behind the counter, I waved goodbye to one of our regular customers. Then I helped myself to a few chips fresh from the fryer before heading out to collect the kids from school. ‘I’ll see you later at home,’ I smiled to my husband Richard, 46, who owned Gabby’s, the local chippy that I helped to run in Bridlington, Yorkshire. I’d worked at the chip shop on and off since I was 15. Back then, we’d been allowed to take any leftover food at the end of the day, so that none of it would go to waste. Sausages in batter, chips, mushy peas – you name it, I’d eat it. But years of an unhealthy diet had caught up with me, and at 5ft…

Yorkshire Provender Soups, £2.50, Waitrose These healthy soups are low in fat, contain no added sugar, and are free from preservatives. Tetley Cold Infusions, £2.49, Tesco A tasty range of fruit and herbal infusions designed to be brewed cold. Burgen Soya & Linseed Loaf, £1.50, Sainsbury’s Baked with soya and linseeds which are a great source of Omega-3. It’s one of the highest fibre loaves on the market. Tilda Dry Blends, £2.50, Morrisons Cooked in just 20 minutes, these are the perfect option for a healthy foodie who doesn’t want to sacrifice flavour. Kingsmill 50/50 Vitamin Boost, £1.15, Asda Packed with B vitamins, iron and calcium, this loaf provides a simple solution for families in search of a boost.…

Mostly A: Lemon and sugar One of the good girls, you’re an absolute classic. Everyone likes you and you can adapt to any situation. Reliable, friendly and probably a dog person, are we right? When life gives you lemons, you suck it up and eat a stack of pancakes. Mostly B: Nutella A little immature, but still fun to be around. You’ve got a few party tricks up your sleeve, but you’re likely to be the first one to crash. You’re all about having a good time and don’t take life seriously. You probably own a selfie stick, right? Mostly C: Fruit Happy to do what you want, although you’re sometimes a little too serious. You’re a mother hen, always playing it safe, and possibly not as popular because of…

Anna McCracken, 29, London Walking my neighbour’s dog, I plugged my headphones in and breathed in the crisp air. I was 14 and, living in Airdrie, Scotland, walking dogs for friends and neighbours was my way of earning pocket money. While I adored dogs – often working at rescue shelters, too – I never thought that one day I’d be making a living out of it! At 17, I moved to London to train as a ballet dancer, but had to give that up after an injury. To make ends meet, I found a nine-to-five retail job. But the endless stream of boring tasks soon got to me, and I became unhappy. The only thing keeping me going was my adorable pug, Frankie. Sat on my lap after work, she…

According to her husband, mum-of-two Nancy Cooper had gone out jogging and hadn’t returned home. Conscientious Nancy had also been due to help a friend paint a room in her house, and when she didn’t show for that too, she was reported missing. But Nancy lived with her husband Brad in the beautiful town of Cary, North Carolina – a place dubbed ‘Pleasantville’ after the 1998 film, because it was such a perfect place to live. Cary was known for being safe, so maybe Nancy was safe, too? Canadians Brad and Nancy had met in Calgary while working for technology company IBM. Career minded Nancy was sporty and popular, while Brad was highly intelligent, but quiet and reserved. The parties were where Brad met his lovers Despite their differences, Nancy…

Sarson’s Pickle in 15 Minutes allows you to replicate the hot trend of quick-pickling in your own home, by infusing fruit and veg with vibrant, tangy flavours. Available in Sainsbury’s now ( www.sarsons.co.uk ). STEAK SANDWICH WITH CELERIAC AND PUMPKIN Makes 2 sandwiches with extra rémoulade on the side STEAK SANDWICH ● 300g of thin steak ● 1 splash of vegetable oil ● 2 handfuls of watercress ● 4 slices of sourdough, toasted ● Butter, for the toast QUICK-PICKLED CELERIAC AND PUMPKIN RÉMOULADE ● 150g of celeriac ● 80g of pumpkin or butternut squash ● 350ml of Sarson’s “Pickle in 15 Minutes” Lightly Seasoned vinegar blend DRESSING ● 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil ● 1 tsp of wholegrain mustard  ● 1 tbsp of Lightly Seasoned vinegar…

What changed? I fell pregnant quickly with my first child, but I’m struggling with a second. Why is that? Deb, Kent There are many reasons why getting pregnant the second time round can be diffi cult and we often see patients who are in this frustrating and upsetting situation. Reasons why you might be struggling to conceive can be due to age, underlying health issues, a change in your menstrual cycle, stress, diet, lifestyle, or it could be an issue with your partner. Take time to make a list of all the factors it could be and address anything obvious that you could change on your own. Don’t forget, the fact that you’ve already had a baby shows that you can get pregnant, so we would suggest you book an…

ADD MORE HERBS AND SPICES Herbs and spices are a brilliant way to add flavour and colour to meals, whilst also making them smell irresistible. They can be added to absolutely anything from salad dressings (try cumin, coriander, oregano), basic one-pot meals and plain foods such as grilled poultry and fish (which are a great way to tackle diet fatigue for those trying to lose weight), adding an exciting twist to everyday dishes. To really pack a punch, combining various herbs and spices will add a powerful flavour dimension and aroma to your cooking. THE ROLE OF SENSES In new research by Tilda Rice, the average diet lasts less than three months before dieters revert back to their old ways, while three in 10 Brits become sick of eating healthily…

Learning how to react in an emergency, before professional help arrives, can literally be the difference between life and death. The nation’s leading first aid charity, St John Ambulance, provides tons of practical first aid information on their website and they offer a wide range of training courses across the UK. While it doesn’t replace the benefits of a course, their free downloadable app is also available for your mobile. It provides easy to follow advice on a range of first aid scenarios, including CPR, diabetic emergencies, choking and allergic reactions, using the help of illustrated guides and voiced instructions. Visit www.sja.org.uk for  more information.…

Horrible history Q I was abused by a family friend when I was younger. He was convicted recently and I thought I’d get closure, but I feel worse. I worry I’ll never have a normal life. Deb, Northampton A Facing the reality of past abuse is an ongoing process. Painful thoughts and feelings can still be triggered years down the line, often by significant events such as your abuser’s conviction. Just because this happened to you, it doesn’t mean you can’t ever move on. Remind yourself that being abused is never the fault of the victim and learn to treat yourself with kindness and acceptance. In times of stress and difficulty, it can be helpful to get professional support. Counselling can give you an opportunity to move forward and gain…

FILM AND TV 1 Who won the award for best actor in a drama film at this year’s Golden Globes?a Brad Pittb Rami Malekc Mahershala Ali 2 What is the name of the main character in the Fantastic Beasts films, played by Eddie Redmayne?a Antb Molec Newt 3 Which animated film has released its eagerly anticipated sequel in 2018, more than 13 years after the fi rst fi lm?a Wreck-it Ralphb Finding Nemoc The Incredibles 4 Which event in 2018 had the most viewers in Britain watching?a Football World Cup – England vs. Croatiab I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here, episode onec The launch of Dr Who 5 What was the second highest grossing Marvel film of 2018?a Ant Man and The Waspb Venomc Black Panther 6 Who…

MISLEADING MACHINES In 2018, researchers put a spin on the Asch experiment, a social test disguised as a vision exam. Around 43 kids aged seven to nine were asked to find two equally long lines on a screen. The answer was obvious, and when alone, the kids proved correct 87 percent of the time. Then the robots came. Whenever a child was asked to pick lines, a robot would helpfully provide the incorrect answer. Even though the right answer was easy, the kids doubted themselves and looked to the machines instead. They did this so often that the success rate fell to 75 percent. The experiment proved that children often experience ‘automation bias’, a powerful belief that machines have greater abilities than they actually do. BRAIN NETWORK We really do…

Rebecca Fannin, 38, Campbellsville, Kentucky, USA I kept as quiet as a mouse and didn’t move a muscle. ‘Ready or not, here I come!’ my mum’s boyfriend, Bennie Blevins, bellowed loudly, as I hid in the garden. He was caring at first and then he changed ‘Is she over here?’ he said to himself, peeping around the shed. ‘No!’ ‘Is she under here?’ he shouted, searching under the bench. ‘No! Now where could she be?’ I shuffled softly in my hiding place. ‘There you are,’ Bennie cried, catching sight of me and sweeping me up into his arms. But rather than tickle and hug me like a stepdad should, Bennie put his hands all over my little body – touching my privates. Scared, I didn’t know what to do. All…

A hospital spokesman said: ‘We appreciate how difficult it is for patients who are understandably anxious to have their surgery as soon as possible. Ms Evans was referred to the surgical waiting list in the summer, and has also recently been seen by one of our surgeons… We have yet to offer Ms Evans a first date for surgery but will be doing this as soon as possible. If Ms Evans would like to contact us directly we can arrange to meet with her and discuss any concerns she has.’…

Rich Willis, 48, Driffield, East Yorkshire My heart burst with love as I read the card from my daughter, Cherry. On the front was a giant gold medal and the words: From your biggest fan. The medal was an exact replica of the one I’d won just a few weeks before in the British Powerlifting Championships – breaking a world record in the process. But none of this success would be possible without the love and support of one person: my six-year-old daughter Cherry. ‘I’m so proud of you, Daddy,’ she said, giving me a tight hug. But the reality is, I’m prouder of her than she could ever know. I was born with diastrophic dwarfism, a rare condition that affects normal bone and cartilage development. My parents were told…

Katy Gillis, 34, Reading Staring at the two blue lines, my heart soared. ‘I’m pregnant!’ I beamed to my husband Liam, 30. ‘That’s incredible!’ he cried, taking me into his arms. It was November 2015, and Liam and I had been trying for a baby for a few months. ‘I didn’t expect it to happen so soon,’ I smiled. We couldn’t have been happier, and I was already thinking about all the adorable babygrows and booties I’d soon be buying. At seven weeks, I had a scan. I held Liam’s hand as the sonographer poured cold gel on my tummy. Then, staring at the monitor, she paused. ‘Congratulations!’ she smiled. ‘It looks like you’re having twins!’ The room fell silent for a few seconds, as Liam and I stared at…

Guilt-free cocktails Now you can drink in style while keeping tabs on your waistline. Franklin & Sons has created Infused Sodas (£1.49, Tesco), a new range of premium non-alcoholic soda waters with trendy flavours including guava & Persian lime with root ginger, exotic pineapple & cardamom with cracked cubebpepper, and pomegranate & floral hibiscus with delicate rose. Each bottle contains just 4.2g of sugar per 100ml and 49 calories per 275ml bottle. Ditch the stress Stress is a wide spread and constantly growing problem. Nutritional therapist Hannah Braye shares her tips on leading a stress-free life: • Balance blood sugars: avoid sugary drinks and snacks and eat regular meals containing carbohydrates and quality protein. • Gentle exercise: walking, jogging, swimming and yoga are more beneficial than extreme bouts of physical…

BELIEVE IN CHILDREN Children’s charity Barnardo’s are urgently appealing for more people to consider fostering. Worryingly, the number of children in care has risen by 27 percent in a decade in England and there’s concern that there aren’t enough suitable foster families to cope. Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan says: ‘Being a foster carer can be a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding and gives children the love, care and life skills they need to build better and brighter futures. I want to thank all of our amazing foster carers for helping us transform children’s lives. And I would urge anyone considering becoming a foster carer to get in touch. Incredible things happen when you believe in children.’ Visit www. barnardos.org.uk/fostering  or call 0800 0277 280. HOTLY ANTICIPATED For…

Jeannette Ryan, 50, Aintree Biting my lip to stop myself from crying, I struggled to heave up the zip of my black hospital uniform. As my size-20 top strained across my chest and dug painfully into my arms, I knew I had to face the humiliation of asking for a bigger size. ‘Come on,’ I muttered to myself, panicking as I tugged on the zip again. ‘You can do this.’ I was due to start my shift as a bed manager at Aintree University Hospital any minute. With one last yank, suddenly, the teeth of the zip came together, and I was able to heave it up. I was so relieved. But as my shift went on, it became really uncomfortable. The shirt dug into my arms and I could…

Roxy and Poppy are also active adult ambassadors for EUKANUBA. The leading pet food brand has found that dog ownership in Britain is trending young and younger. The survey, which involved 2,000 dog owners, shows that companionship is driving pet ownership among the nation’s youth, with almost half of dog owners aged between 16 and 19 citing this as their reason for getting a dog. Over 80 percent of young people feel their dog provides vital emotional support to help them face everyday stress, while half say their favourite thing about their dog is that they make them laugh. Visit www. eukanuba.co.uk/ambassadors for more info .…

1 THE 30-DAY RULE Impulse purchases can be costly and often a waste of money. Instead of giving in to that urge straight away, leave it for 30 days (you can pop it in your basket and leave it there if shopping online). If after those 30-days are up you still want it, treat yourself. 9 times out of 10, you’ll forget about it, meaning it wasn’t so essential after all. 2 BECOME YOUR OWN BARISTA! There’s always a sale somewhere, so if you’re a coffee-lover, look out for a bargain coffee machine. You can make quality coffees at a fraction of the price at home. Spending a lump sum on a machine may feel counterintuitive when trying to save, but it won’t take long before you start seeing the…

PORTABELLO MUSHROOMS WITH SPINACH AND WALNUTS MAKES 4 YOU’LL NEED... ● 4 portabello mushrooms ● 2 tbsp of olive oil ● 4 tbsp of water ● 200g spinach ● 100g cream cheese  ● Salt & pepper ● 1 tsp of paprika ● 8 walnuts roughly chopped ● 4 tbsp of grated parmesan HOW TO DO IT… 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Remove the stems from the mushrooms place cup side up in an oven proof dish. Drizzle with olive oil, add four tablespoons of water to the tray then place in the oven for 20 minutes. 2. Wash and trim the spinach, place in a bowl with a little water, cover and cook in the microwave for 4 minutes. When cooked leave to drain, when cool  squeeze out the…

Georgia Groom, 21, Stevenage Grabbing the remote, I switched on the telly. It was almost time for Holby City, my favourite! ‘Do we have to watch this?’ my boyfriend Jack sighed. ‘I like it,’ I insisted. I loved all the dramas, but Holby City was my favourite. The tension, the excitement, the doctors – it had it all. Jack and I were living at his parents’ house, but they were away on holiday for a few days. It was lovely to have a bit of time to ourselves, and we snuggled up on the sofa, ready to scoff our takeaway pizzas in front of the telly. But before we reached the end, Jack threw his uneaten slice back in the box. ‘It’s not like you to refuse food,’ I frowned.…