This week, ALAN RIDEHALGH prepares to go "walkies" again

POIGNANT memories will be rekindled next month for Alan Ridehalgh when he begins to take his new pet Lady for "walkies".

For the pair will be visiting an old haunt that Alan and his previous dog Cindy loved -- Foxhill Bank, Oswaldtwistle -- when Lady is fully vaccinated and ready to meet new friends.

Alan, 64, spent many happy hours walking with Jack Russell Cindy in his Lancashire Hot Spot.

"It was Cindy's favourite place. She certainly did lots of walking there and that's where Lady will be going when she has had her second injection on September 4," said Alan, who lives in Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

Cindy featured in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph a few weeks ago when it was revealed that at the age of 24 -- the equivalent of a human living to 168 -- she was one of the world's oldest dogs and enjoyed four cups of Tetley tea a day. Sadly, Cindy had to be put to sleep at the end of July after she suffered a heart attack.

After much soul-searching, Alan decided to buy another dog and Jack Russell pup Lady, who is just eight weeks old, is the new girl in his life. He is now looking forward to autumn walks with her and getting her socialised.

"It's a good place for dog walkers. There is a great big pond with ducks and you can walk for miles," he said.