*To zoom would be great if you care to* This is Topsy who was a Japanese Chin breed of dog, and here she would have been about 6 weeks old, and no bigger than a tea cup. A flower I associate with Japan is the beautiful blossom, and so I decided to add the blossom of my Cherry Blossom tree here. Topsy was a gentle and loving dog when she was alive, I brought her into the world and she stayed with me until sadly her death from cancer at the tender age of just 4 years. She will always be with me in my thougts and my heart. Yes I have special memories of her, and would like to share one of them with you. Many years ago, Topsy along with her family of 2 siblings and her mother would come with me often to an old people's nursing home to visit my grandmother. All the ladies there adored the little dogs, they being just right for sitting on old ladies knees. I often used to see one very old lady sitting in the corner all alone and looking so sad, she was both deaf and blind. One day I enquired about her and was told that she did love dogs and had them when she was young and able. So I sat beside her and gently touched her hand, bringing it up to my face and smiled at her. Then carefully I put Topsy onto her knee, guiding the ladies disfigured arthritic hand onto gentle little Topsy's body. Until the end of my days I will never forget the sheer joy on that ladies face, just to stroke my darling Topsy made her blissfully happy. Topsy sat quietly there looking very much at home, and looking up at me as if to say it's okay Mum I understand. Ever after that I always made sure that we took Topsy to see her, and the lady began to talk again, and tell me about her own little dogs when she was young. It was sad the day we turned up and she was no longer there, but the carers at the nursing home, assured us she went peacfully in her sleep and the night before had been talking happily about the little dog that came to visit her and sat on her knee. I often think of memories like that on the days when I am not feeling well, and it always helps me. Topsy was an amazing little dog and I could write so many tales about her, but perhaps I will tell you more another day. Thank you for you previous kind and inspiring comments, and to those who favourited my work, I sincerly appreciate it so much. take care of yourselves love and hugs Jane xx The picture of Topsy was taken about 26 years ago, so was scanned in and touched up a bit in Photoshop 6.0 as with all the postwork.