After a long, gruelling day at work, RSPCA inspector Emily Astillberry knows that, whatever kind of day she’s had, her husband Dean will know what she’s going through, as he’s an inspector for the animal charity too.
‘It always means so much that I know he has that level of understanding because some of the days are sometimes a lot tougher than others,’ says Emily, from Mileham, Norfolk. ‘Dean and I both say it’s the best job in the world, except when it’s the worst one, and we have each other for support, to offload and occasionally shed a tear.’
Emily has been an inspector for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for 16 years, while Dean has 27 years of experience helping animals in need. As well as a hectic blended family of five children aged six to 18, the couple also look after two rescue dogs of their own. Indeed, their love story was also a love story for the two furry souls they’d each adopted 12 years ago.
‘Dean rescued Eric, the mini dachshund, around the time I gave a home to my darling Bobby, who is a Staffie-Jack Russell-cross,’ Emily smiles. ‘Bobby had suffered horrific cruelty when I found and rescued him, and was terrified of everything and everyone,’ she says.
‘But when Dean and I moved in together, Eric, who was confident, gave Bobby confidence too – he taught him how to be a dog again. I have to say they really loved each other and Bobby actually cried when Eric died. It just shows how much dogs have to give.’
This story is from the August 03, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 03, 2021 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Clematis FOREVER
These adorable climbers offer months of colour
Quick cushion
Make sewing simple with this speedy appliqué project
Ahidden HEAVEN
Discover a new side to Cornwall on a visit to the quiet south coast peninsula of Roseland
Bright IDEAS
From floor lamps to ceiling pendants, we've found the best solutions to lighten every corner
Heard of EARTH DAY?
We find out how this annual event is trying to help our planet
BETTER SLEEP...in a week!
Waking in the night or trouble nodding off? Here's how to improve your slumber in just seven days
National treasures
The UK is getting a new national park, which will be chosen soon from a number of options. Here are some of the gems we have already
'My dream role would be winning the lottery!'
Actor Larry Lamb on his lucky career, reality show stints and what he does to stay healthy