It

that night.

Buddy goes wild when he sees that Joe is back from the day trip. Joe smells of Dad!

Joe’s Dad

JOE!!!

I think someone has missed you!

BUDDY! Get down!

After lots of cuddles, Joe tells Buddy all about his day. “We passed lots of green fields that stretched for miles and we saw some horses and rabbits.”

Buddy wags his tail at the thought of it.

“We were all so happy to see Dad again.

He picked me up and swung me around then hugged Mum and Gran.” Smiles Joe.

“He says I’ve grown since last time I saw him, and I said that his hair looks funny.

“Dad has a notice board with MY pictures all over it.

He said when he feels sad, it cheers him up.”

The little café sold pop AND chocolate muffins and Mum let me have BOTH!”

“Mmmm”. Joe licks his lips at the thought.

“He says he loved the drawing I did of you, Buddy”.

The next day is “Show and Tell” morning at school.

Mr. Boyd has asked the children to bring something special in to class.

Joe brings his memory box.

It’s your turn, Joe

Joe tells his classmates all about his dad and how much he misses him. He enjoys showing everyone what is inside the box.

The children all say ‘“Awwwww” at Buddy’s puppy photo.

They all want to make their own boxes after seeing Joe’s.

We don’t live with our Dad either

Buddy is SO cute!

Mr. Boyd tells Gran that he is very proud of Joe for being so brave and talking about his feelings.

You were brilliant today, Joe! Well done!

Well done, Joe

WOOF!

The memory box was Gran’s idea. Wasn’t it, Gran?

Joe overhears Gran telling his Mum all about what Mr. Boyd had said and how proud she is of him.

Mum is pleased that Joe isn’t feeling as sad this week.

It’s nice to see Joe smiling again

“It’s Joe’s birthday tomorrow. I’m sure he’ll have more things to pop inside it,” whispers Mum.

It’s Joe’s birthday...

Joe jumps out of bed and excitedly runs down the stairs. He rips opens his presents with Buddy’s help. Gran makes him a delicious football cake. Buddy helps him to blow out the candles.

Joe misses his Dad being there but he speaks to him on the phone later that day.

Joe tells his Dad about how many goals he thinks he’ll score in his new boots.

Thanks for all my birthday presents. I love my new kit!

WOOF!

I bet you look great

Wow Sniff

“Be sure to send me a photo for my board! Ooooh, I wish I had a piece of Gran’s cake. You lucky thing!”

Sniff

The following week, Joe takes out his memory box and places his birthday card from Dad inside.

Whenever he sees his Mum or Gran feeling a bit sad, he finds his memory box and they go through the photographs and special things together.

Joe and his family add a few more photos to the box over time.

Joe’s dad even draws a picture of Buddy which makes him woof and wag his tail. Buddy is a very lucky dog.

He gobbles up a gravy bone and goes to sleep on Joe’s knee dreaming of chasing rabbits over green fields.

Even though not everyone is living together at the moment, he

It always helps them to remember the good times they shared with Dad.

WOOF!