In my experience, there is a very good reason why a good-looking young woman of around 20 is willing to go out with a man over 15 years her senior - she's nuts. Mark Barrowcliffe experiencegoodman Change image and share on social
Not wishing to blow my own trumpet, I'm as near to being the perfect dog owner as it is possible to be. Mark Barrowcliffe blowdogowner Change image and share on social
A dog doesn't care if you're tired or it's raining. It wants to go out - and if it doesn't go out, it's going to be mournfully following you around the house for the whole evening. Mark Barrowcliffe caredogeven Change image and share on social
People generally complain that they're overburdened by responsibilities, forgetting that they chose to have those responsibilities. No one makes you work like a dog in order to live in a nice house, put your kids in nice schools, drive a smart car and go on exotic foreign holidays. It's up to you. Mark Barrowcliffe carchoosecomplain share on social
When Reg died and we first looked into getting a new dog, I was adamant we should pick up a mongrel from an animal-rescue shelter. It's not only that they're usually healthier and have better temperaments, they also fit with my world view - I prefer a ballpoint to a fountain pen, a barber to a hair stylist, and camping over glamping. Mark Barrowcliffe adamantanimalballpoint share on social
I have no problem with people feeling a bit down - crikey, you only have to walk down the road to find enough reasons to fall into a depressive coma - but I do have a problem with whining about it. Mark Barrowcliffe bitecomacrikey Change image and share on social
With a rescue dog, you take what's at the centre as long as it roughly fits the bill. When you buy a dog from a breeder, you can choose everything from its personality to how shiny its coat is. Mark Barrowcliffe billbreederbuy Change image and share on social