Two years ago today, we drove to Rotterdam to pick up Max, who had travelled across eight countries to get to the Netherlands from Romania (a, hopefully, cute thread).

He was found abandoned at the side of the road by two wonderful women who rescued him and his brother. Max has a dent in his spine, most likely from being hit with something. He's in the top left of this video, hiding in fear.

Rather amazingly, he settled in really quickly, and took to having two feline siblings very easily. He even helped foster a fellow Romanian kitty until we found her some parents.

He became a very proficient cyclist, thus gaining acceptance with his adopted homeland.

He's been on some adventures with us, and seeing him experience new things has given us the greatest of pleasures.

One of my favourite memories is his first swimming lesson. The 'air strokes' are just too adorable.

But it wasn't long before he was doing it for real.

It's not always been fun and games. He was ill for a while and had to go to hospital. It was a pretty terrifying few days, but the care he received here in Amsterdam was amazing, especially from our Dierenambulance (animal ambulance).

I will never not smile every time I see him sit with @highfielder80 like this.

Or like this.

I'm also really proud of how he's adapted to sharing his home, toys and humans with all the other dogs we have visiting @Tails_oftheCity

I often tell people that we rescued Max, but the truth is, he rescued me. As many of you know, our little business took a massive hit during Covid-19 and it was hard to stay positive at times. But every single day, without fail, Max gave me a reason to smile.

So, all that was a very long-winded way of saying "Happy 2nd Adopteversary" Max. Thank you for all the joy you've brought into my life. Please eat this cake that I spent two days making, and squished on the fridge door. And enjoy your day with your doggy friends.

If anyone is interested in making a cake for their dog - and why wouldn't you be - it's pumpkin and peanut butter, with a Greek yoghurt and peanut butter frosting. The piping is mashed sweet potato with a little Greek yoghurt to help get it to the right consistency.