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Strangers’ surprise helped me say goodbye to my beloved pet Ella

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MILKING it: Why I decided to breastfeed my hubby

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Best puppy toys to keep your new arrival entertained

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Best security cat flaps for your home to keep out unwanted visitors

Nothing beats the feeling of getting cosy and stretching out in bed, that’s why the best dog beds for large dogs are designed to provide enough space for your big pooch to sprawl out and relax. Just like us humans, a comfortable bed is vital for making sure our pooches get a good night’s sleep. That’s why you want to choose a :a[good-quality dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-dog-bed/' } that has enough room to accommodate your hound’s size while also giving their body the support it needs.

As any dog owner knows, dogs LOVE to sleep. In fact, they can spend over half their day sleeping, so that’s a lot of time catching some Zzz. The average time hounds sleep for is over 14 hours, but this is even more in senior pooches and puppies, so choosing the right bed is super important for a comfortable stay in the Land of Nod. A common problem with finding the best dog bed for big dogs is finding one that is simply big enough to their full size, leading to your pooch sleeping with their head hanging off the side or having to curl up tightly to squeeze themselves in. This can then end up putting pressure on their joints and cause stiffness in their muscles, which can result in longer-term health problems further down the line.

## Best dog beds for large dogs at a glance: {#h-best-dog-beds-for-large-dogs-at-a-glance}

**• Best overall large dog bed:** Mikki Dog Ultra Soft Donut Bed – :a[View on Amazon UK]{href='https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mikki-Kitten-Calming-Cushion-Cuddler/dp/B0BBN6YQN6?tag=qtabparticle1247-21' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best sofa bed for large dog:** Argos Pet Grey Sofa Bed – :a[View on Argos]{href='https://www.argos.co.uk/product/2010153' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}  
**• Best stylish dog bed for large:** Wainwright's Quilted Oval Espresso Dog Bed – :a[View on Pets at Home]{href='https://www.petsathome.com/shop/en/pets/wainwrights-quilted-oval-espresso-dog-bed-brown' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow'}

The best dog beds for large dogs should have more than enough room for them to spread out and make themselves comfortable. They will also offer your pooch the support they need to support their body. We’ve listed what type of bed you should look for and why in our FAQs section, but orthopaedic and memory foam beds are great for body support, while easy-to-clean beds will be exactly what you need if your beautifully big boy or girl is a bit of a mucky pup. You may also want to consider a :a[sofa-style dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-sofa-bed/' } to give your pooch plenty of space to do those big stretches before bedtime.

While large beds tend to come with a higher price tag compared to ones for their smaller counterparts, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a :a[luxury dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-luxury-dog-beds-uk/' } to accommodate your hound. There are many :a[cheap dog beds]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/budget-dog-beds/' } for large dogs out there that don’t have a hefty price tag attached to them too. To help you find the right bed for your pooch, we’ve searched the web to bring you a selection of the best dog beds for large dogs that the internet has to offer at various price points to keep both you and your pooch happy.

## Best dog beds for large dogs {#h-best-dog-beds-for-large-dogs}

## How we chose the best dog beds for large dogs

All of these dog beds have been hand-selected by our team of Take A Break Pets shopping experts. We carefully considered size, comfort and ease of cleaning in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching the best pet beds for large dogs to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

And, with pets big and small on our team, where possible we'll share the best products that have been tried and tested by us and our own furry friends who have given their paw of approval.

## What type of bed is best for large dogs? {#h-what-is-the-best-type-of-dog-bed-for-large-dogs}

When choosing the best big dog beds, you’ll want to consider a number of things, including the amount of support they offer your pooch, how durable they are and how easy they are to clean. With these factors in mind, here are some of the best beds for your gentle giant.

### Orthopaedic beds {#h-orthopaedic-beds}

Due to their big size, large dogs can often suffer from joint and muscle problems. Giving your pooch an orthopaedic or :a[memory foam dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/best-memory-foam-dog-bed/' } will offer extra support and cushioning for those areas. These types of beds can also help to evenly distribute your pooch’s weight to help reduce some of the pressure on their joints and muscles.

### Durable and chew-resistant beds {#h-durable-and-chew-resistant-beds}

Some large dogs don’t realise the strength of their teeth, so end up accidentally destroying their beds through a bit of nibbling. If your dog tends to be a bit of a chewer, you’ll want to look for one that has reinforced stitching, heavy-duty fabrics and tough covers that can withstand the wear and tear that comes from having larger breeds.

### Easy-to-clean beds {#h-easy-to-clean-beds}

Does your large breed love to get down and dirty? If your hound loves nothing more than rolling around in the mud and splashing around in puddles and rivers, you might want to choose a bed that has a removable cover. That way, it can be chucked into the washing machine or wiped to keep it as clean as possible. If it’s waterproof or water-resistant, too, that’s an added bonus.

### Extra-large size beds {#h-extra-large-size-beds}

Big dogs just LOVE to stretch out, so while this may be an obvious one, you’ll want to make sure their bed is large enough for them to lay out comfortably. Large dogs come in all shapes and sizes so you’ll want to make sure your chosen bed can accommodate the whole of your dog to sprawl out how they wish.

Some large dogs, like Barney pictured below, also like to curl up while they snooze so you may want to buy them a donut-style bed, sometimes known as an :a[anti-anxiety dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/anti-anxiety-dog-beds-uk/' }. These types of beds can be on the small side, so make sure to double-check the dimensions before you buy to ensure there's enough room for your big boy or girl to sit inside comfortably.

## Do dogs prefer hard or soft beds? {#h-do-large-dogs-prefer-hard-or-soft-beds}

Just like us humans, our pooches also have their own personal preferences when it comes to what bed they like. Some hounds may like the feeling of sinking into a soft bed, whereas others may prefer the support of a firmer surface. To gauge what type of bed your hound likes best, pay attention to where your pooch rests around the house and if they’re showing signs of comfort or discomfort. That way you can choose a bed that is of a similar structure to where they’re currently laying.

Of course, there may be cases where dogs need a certain type of bed to help support any health conditions they may have or their age. Senior hounds or pups with joint problems may find softer beds more comfortable on their joints as they provide extra cushioning. For pooches that are chewers, a firmer bed may be needed as they tend to have less stuffing and are typically made with more chew-resistant materials.

Just like how we humans all prefer different pillow firmness and tog levels for our duvets, what type of bed dogs prefer will vary from pooch to pooch. Some dogs may like beds with raised edges or bolsters to rest their head on or aching joints while they snooze whereas others may prefer a flatter, softer bed to stretch out on more.

## What is the best type of bed for a dog to sleep on?

For larger dogs, the best type of bed to sleep on is one that will support their joints and provide comfort to their bigger bodies. They may want to have a bed that offers them plenty of room to spread themselves out but equally, they could enjoy having a bed to curl up in. Whether you're looking for a bed to use at home or after a :a[travel dog bed]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/pets/dogs/dog-travel-beds-car/' } to use when you're out and about on adventures with your pooch, you should observe the sleeping habits of your pooch before making your decision but also prepare yourself for a bit of trial and error until you find a bed your pup is completely happy with.

_:a[Rosie Floyd]{href='https://takeabreak.co.uk/author/rosie-floyd/' } is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things dogs. She grew up always having at least one dog as part of the family and has experience in owning a variety of breeds, including Labradors, Cockapoos and Yorkshire Terriers._

Find the perfect dog bed for your huge hound to chill out and relax on

## Here's a sneak peek at issue 19's cover stories

**_It might not be pretty, but sweat has important health benefits…_**

We often think of sweat as something that’s uncomfortable and unattractive, but it is important to our wellbeing.

Dr Deborah Lee, a GP for Dr Fox Online Doctor and Pharmacy, says: ‘There’s no question that sweating is good for us. Alongside other benefits, the key function of sweating is to keep us cool and help regulate our body temperature. Put simply, without the ability to sweat, we would die. It really is that important.’

Sweating through exercise is especially good for our health. However, it’s important to know what’s normal for you.

Dr Adam Friedmann, consultant dermatologist at Stratum Dermatology Clinics, says: ‘Sweating at times you wouldn’t expect, such as when you’re just sitting still, could indicate a medical problem, such as hyperhidrosis. If sweating is problematic for you, see your doctor or a dermatologist and let us help you.’

To experience the benefits of sweating, it’s crucial you stay hydrated. Ideally, drink 450ml of water two to four hours before you exercise. If you’re doing high-intensity workouts, where you sweat more vigorously, you may want to drink sports drinks that also replenish electrolytes.

Dr Lee adds: ‘Even if you’re someone who sweats at a normal rate, it’s important to do it safely. Don’t worry about how sweating looks, but understand the role it can play in helping your body.’

Dr Lee says: ‘Our body needs sweat to control our body temperature. As sweat evaporates from our skin, it releases heat, cooling the body.’

Dr Friedmann says: ‘There are certain conditions where people are unable to sweat, and thus lose the ability to cool themselves adequately, causing fainting or sudden collapse. This alone demonstrates just how powerful sweating can be.’

Dr Lee says: ‘Substances excreted in sweat include bicarbonate, glucose, ammonia and alcohol, which is why sweating is often increased in a hangover.’

Several studies also suggest sweating may help excrete small amounts of heavy metals from our body, while the same may be true for bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics.

Dr Lee says: ‘A small amount of toxic products such as pollutants and heavy metals are present in sweat, which indicates sweating may aid the body in excreting some of these toxins. However, it’s important to note that your liver and kidneys do most of the detoxification work, with most heavy metals and toxic substances excreted through urine, bile or stools.’

We know that consuming too much salt, or sodium, can increase our blood pressure. On top of limiting our intake, exercise can also help.

Dr Friedmann says: ‘Our sweat contains salt, which is excreted during exercise. That, combined with water loss, may result in helping us to lower blood pressure.’

In fact, some studies suggest the higher the intensity of a workout, the more salt you lose.

However, Dr Lee says: ‘While sweating is one way the body can control and lower blood pressure, excess sweating and sweating over long periods can lead to sodium depletion (hyponatraemia), which is a dangerous medical condition, so it’s about getting a balance.’

Dr Lee says: ‘Sweating can be a useful tool when examining how effectively we’re working our bodies during exercise. If you’re sweating during a workout, then this shows you’re exercising at a good rate, which is likely to have positive benefits for your cardiovascular health. Doing any form of aerobic exercise that leaves you slightly sweaty and out of breath, such as dancing, swimming or jogging, is going to help your health.’

Dr Friedmann says: ‘In addition to helping us cool down, in certain areas of the body, sweat is mixed with pheromone-producing proteins which may help us attract a mate.’

Some studies have suggested that this is because we may be drawn to the scent of those whose immune response genes are different from our own. What better excuse to hit the gym then!

• For more info, visit doctorfox.co.uk and stratumclinics.com

Get your SUMMER SWEAT ON!

_**An expert sheds light on some of the lesser-known issues**_

The primary cause of fatigue during menopause is hormonal changes, particularly decreased oestrogen and progesterone levels, which can affect energy regulation. Sleep disturbances, mood swings, physical symptoms, and changes in metabolism also contribute to feelings of tiredness.

Breast tenderness occurs due to hormonal fluctuations, especially changes in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones influence breast tissue, and their imbalance can lead to increased sensitivity and discomfort. While breast tenderness is more common in the perimenopause phase, it can still be experienced during menopause due to these hormonal shifts.

As oestrogen levels decrease, it can shift the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair becoming finer and thinner. Additionally, declining hormone levels can affect hair follicles and reduce their ability to produce new hair. Genetics, stress, and nutritional factors can also contribute to hair thinning during menopause.

Hormonal shifts can affect the inner ear's fluid balance and its role in maintaining balance and equilibrium, leading to dizziness and vertigo. Other factors such as changes in blood pressure, stress and age can also contribute to these symptoms.

During menopause, hormonal fluctuations can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood swings, irritability and anxiety. Other contributing factors include the physical symptoms of menopause, sleep disturbances and life changes.

Women may experience brittle nails due to hormonal changes, particularly a decline in oestrogen. These hormonal shifts can affect the structure and quality of nails, leading to increased fragility. Nutritional changes and age-related factors may also contribute to brittle nails.

• Information from Dr Jamie Winn PharmD, from Universal Drugstore

6 Hidden Symptoms of MENOPAUSE

## Scroll to the bottom for the chance to WIN £50!

**_When Anton Allan decided to give his hamster a treat, he discovered he had a superstar in the making_**

The red and white checked tablecloth is neatly pressed, the table has been set and suddenly the sound of tiny feet can be heard approaching.

On today’s menu is a veggie spaghetti Bolognese.

His name is Mr Marshmallow — and he’s a hamster.

But, with tastebuds as refined as any gourmet, he knows his grub — and he loves it.

In fact, you could say he’s a very hungry hammy!

> 'It's very rare he doesn't like something'

His owner and certified hamster chef, Anton Allan, bought his furry friend home from a local pet shop two years ago and ever since has been feeding him the sort of gourmet grub other critters can only dream of.

The duo now have an army of online fans who can’t wait to see what the pampered pet makes of Anton’s latest dish.

‘I’ve always had hamsters ever since I was a kid,’ says Anton, 22. ‘I had a break for a while and then I decided I wanted another, and as soon as I saw Mr Marshmallow, I just knew he was the one.’

But Anton, who lives in Paisley, Renfrewshire, decided he didn’t want to feed him any bog-standard fare.

He says: ‘I really wanted to give him a more varied diet to keep things interesting, so I started doing taste tests with different foods to figure out what he liked.

‘I began with basic things like watermelon and lettuce, plus various other fruits and veggies. He just loved watermelon and it made me want to take things even further.’

So Anton went online and began researching recipes that were suitable for little mouths.

‘He absolutely knocked back the pancakes and it just spurred me on to try lots more,’ says Anton.

Mr Marshmallow has sampled all manner of cuisines, including his all-time favourite spaghetti, plus cheesecake, curry, pizza and even a Sunday roast.

Each dish is carefully prepared by Anton in his kitchen, and served to Mr Marshmallow twice a week as a morning treat.

‘I just love watching him sit in his bed and get excited about his breakfast,’ says Anton. ‘He doesn’t have the leftovers from my dinner, but a specially-designed meal just for himself. I get up early to prepare it. It takes me about an hour.’

Anton often decides on his recipe the night before. And, though the meals he knocks up are fit for a king, he makes sure each and every one contains hamster-safe ingredients, before serving it up on miniature plates and crockery.

His four-legged food critic gives generally positive reviews but he hasn’t loved _e_verything his devoted owner has plated up.

‘It’s very rare he doesn’t like something I’ve made but one thing he doesn’t like is green smoothies,’ says Anton. ‘I gave it to him once and he wouldn’t even touch it.’

While he may not eat up all his greens, Mr Marshmallow certainly isn’t lacking in table manners.

For the twice-weekly feasts, Anton puts out the pint-sized dining table, and Mr Marshmallow sits up at it to nibble his home-made delicacies.

And, to stop him overindulging, Anton is careful about portion control.

‘He doesn’t tend to eat all of it, although sometimes he does stuff his food in his cheeks for a midnight snack later on,’ says Anton. ‘If he’s devouring too much, I’ll take it away.’

Anton documents Mr Marshmallow’s culinary adventures on TikTok and has over 644,000 followers and more than 23 million likes.

This year, he brought home a fellow diner to join Mr Marshmallow at the table.

‘I now have Mr Liquorice the hamster too, but he’s still a baby and hasn’t tried too many dishes yet,’ says Anton. ‘Mr Liquorice still isn’t quite there with his manners. He tends to make a right mess and doesn’t sit up at the table — he climbs all over it instead!

‘I want to make more cakes and sweet stuff for Mr Liquorice to enjoy, and just see what takes his fancy next,’ he says. ‘It’s so much fun!’

•As _Take a Break_ went to press we heard the sad news that Mr Marshmallow had passed away from old age. But fans will be able to follow his protégé Mr Liquorice on TikTok. Mr M will not be forgotten.

https://xd.wayin.com/embed/084564eb-2126-49a1-8714-8c3461d8dcf7?mode=responsive&scrolling=no

Terms and conditions: The prize draw closes at midnight on 14th May 2024. This prize draw is open to UK residents aged 16 and over. There is one £50 prize to be won. The winner will be the first person drawn at random from all valid entries after the closing date and notified by email within 10 days of the competition closing and will need to provide further details for the prize payment to be made. The winner has 30 days to respond before an alternative winner is chosen. No purchase is necessary. Full terms and conditions can be found at :a[www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html]{href='http://www.bauerlegal.co.uk/competition-terms.html%C2%A0%C2%A0' }

The very hungry HAMMY!

**_Janelle was looking forward to a mini break away from mummy duties. But when she failed to pack a breast pump, she found a very suck-cessful solution…_**

Gazing down at my baby's soft, blonde hair, a sense of contentment flowed through me. I was breastfeeding my fourth child, Georgia.  
‘Over you go,’ I whispered, as  I shifted her gently to my other breast.  
As she looked at me and smiled, I beamed back at my gorgeous girl.  
I loved breastfeeding, forging that special bond between a mum and her baby.  
I’d struggled to get the hang of it with my first baby, Ava, now nine.  
‘It’s hard,’ I’d said to my hubby, Joshua.  
I had introduced formula milk when Ava was two months, and by three months, I’d stopped breastfeeding completely.  
But when Lilly was born four years later, I became more at ease and breastfed her for eight months.  
Then I breastfed my son, JJ, for 18 months.  
Now I’d been doing the same with Georgia for 15 months.  
But Josh and I had been invited to my cousin's hen and stag parties. She and her fiancé were having a joint party for four nights in Puerto Rico.  
‘I really want to go,’ I said  to Josh.  
But we couldn’t take the kids.  
Would I have to stop breastfeeding Georgia?

  
She would take a bottle — she wasn’t exclusively breastfed — but I didn’t want to give up our special closeness simply for a short break away.  
‘I’ve got a solution,’ I said to Josh, holding up a breast pump triumphantly.  
My plan was to take it with me on holiday to pump the milk from my breasts to ensure that they wouldn’t dry up.  
And then I would go back home and be able to carry on breastfeeding Georgia, just the same as before.  
Excitedly, I began to pack.  
In the morning, we left our home in Boston, USA, to travel to Puerto Rico.  
‘I’ll be back soon,’ I said to the children, kissing and hugging them.  
Josh’s mum was looking after the kids and would be helped out by a babysitter, too.  
‘Just the two of us,’ I said to Josh, snuggling up to him.  
When we reached Puerto Rico, the tell-tale signs of my breasts becoming too full with milk started.  
Time to get the pump out.  
Unzipping the suitcase, I began to rummage inside for the pump. My hand rifled through pants, socks, T-shirts and shorts, but I couldn’t find it.  
Sweeping through the case again, there was still no sign.  
‘Can’t find it,’  I said to Josh.  
I stood up and grabbed my handbag. Rapidly, I emptied everything out.  
‘Nope, it’s not there either,’  I said.  
My boobs were beginning to ache. But with a horrible feeling,  I realised I’d failed to pack the pump.

‘We need to buy one,’ I said urgently.

Quickly, we left the hotel to search for somewhere to buy one.  
But the part of Puerto Rico where we were holidaying was on an island away from the main part, and there weren’t a lot of shops.  
‘No, they haven’t got one,’ I panted to Josh, as I rushed past him out of one shop and dived into the next.  
I gabbled to the shop assistant that I needed a breast pump, but she shook her head.  
Into another shop I went, but again was met by a shaking of the head.  
There wasn’t one breast pump to be had.  
‘What am I going to do?’ I asked tearfully.  
I needed to keep pumping to make sure my breasts kept filling up with milk.  
Now I was fearful that my milk would dry up while we were away, and I’d no longer be able to feed Georgia myself by the time I returned home.  
But there were some other options I could try.  
Rushing back to the hotel,  I tried to make myself relax.  
Perhaps self-expressing might work, I thought.  
Pressing my thumb above the nipple, I gently prodded with my fingers below the nipple.  
A small amount of milk surfaced, but I couldn’t coax out any more.  
By now, my breasts were aching and becoming painful.  
Maybe I need to relax more,  I thought.  
Turning on the shower, I ran warm water over myself and tried again to self-express. A few drops, nothing more.  
I looked down at my boobs. They were so engorged and uncomfortable, it was as if they were on fire.  
There was only one thing for it. I called for Josh and told him what I needed him to do.  
His mouth dropped in astonishment.  
‘Can’t you do it yourself?’ he asked, baffled.  
‘It’s not working,’ I said, exasperated.  
I fetched a cup.  
‘You can spit it into that,’ I said.  
I was desperate to relieve my swollen breasts.  
‘Suck,’ I commanded.  
Instead of looking down on the downy, blonde hair of my baby girl being suckled, I was staring at the brown hair on Josh’s large head.  
Yes, I was breastfeeding my husband!  
Josh, bless him, didn’t want me to be in pain, so dutifully he began to suck.  
And it was working! My husband was hitting the spot. The milk was coming out in a steady flow.  
Wincing, he turned and spat the liquid into the cup.

Then he took up position again.  
Suck, spit, suck, spit.  
The pain began to subside.  
‘You can do the other side now,’ I said, 10 minutes later.  
Josh moved over.  
‘Phew, that’s much better,’ I said, relieved.  
A few hours later, we were sitting round the pool with my cousin and the other guests at their party. But the familiar ache appeared again.  
‘Time to go back to the hotel room,’ I said to Josh.  
I’d already explained to the other women what had happened and how Josh had stepped up in my hour of need, and they giggled as we headed off.  
The pair of us went back to the room, did the necessary deed and soon rejoined the party.  
Three times a day for the next three days, Josh sucked my breasts and spat out my milk.  
‘What does it taste of?’ I asked, curiously.  
‘Sweet, a bit like almonds,’ he replied.  
On the fourth day, we switched to a different part of Puerto Rico.  
I went shopping again on the hunt for my vital piece of equipment.  
‘Got one,’  I said to Josh, waving a breast pump high in the air, as if I’d found the golden ticket.  
‘Thank goodness,’  he replied.  
But did I detect a slight flicker on his face when he said this? Was he secretly a little disappointed to be stood down from his duties?

Back home, Georgia snuggled up to me and we were soon back to our cosy feeding routine.  
I told my followers on social media about the solution to my burning boobs dilemma.  
Predictably, some were horrified. But others?  
Man is living the dream, commented one.  
Probably the best vacation ever for your husband, remarked another.  
A few months later, I decided to see if Josh could remember the taste of my breast milk.  
Hiding the contents of my milk, full fat milk, oat milk and almond milk in four containers, I gave him a straw to suck with this time.  
He took a taste of them, and when he sucked up my milk, he grimaced.  
‘That’s your breast milk,’ he said. ‘I’m positive.’  
My hubby was correct! Clearly, the taste had made a not-so-nice imprint on his taste buds.  
But I’m grateful that my gorgeous husband showed me the milk of human kindness when I desperately needed it!

**_Denise was flattered when a ‘celebrity judge’ fell in love with her_**. **_But something wasn't quite right_**

Switching on the TV, my eyes went googly at the hunky American Idol judge on the screen. His name was Luke Bryan, and he was a famous country singer too.

I’d been a fan of his for years, and I thought: _I’d love to meet him one day._  
After the show finished, I began to scroll through the Meetup app. I’d recently moved to a new area and thought it would be a good way to make some friends.  
The next day, I was astonished to receive a message on the app from someone I knew.  
It was Luke Bryan.  
_Why would a superstar want to talk to me?_ I wondered.  
Opening the message, my heart skipped a beat.  
_Hello, beautiful_, he wrote. _I bet you’re surprised to hear from me._  
I couldn’t help but feel excited, and my mind went into overdrive.  
I sent a message back and we made small talk.  
Once we’d got to know each other a little better, he asked for my phone number.  
But I was still surprised that someone like him would be on a meet-up app, let alone want to be friends with a fan.

_What do you want with me?_  I asked honestly.  
_I’m having some problems at home and need to talk to someone_ he replied. _But please be discreet_.  
I knew I needed to keep our interactions to myself because he was such a famous face.  
I felt sorry for him, so I gave him my number and we began messaging through WhatsApp.  
To make sure he was real, I asked for proof.  
When he sent me selfies that I couldn’t find online, I felt more reassured.  
And every time he told me what he was doing, I went on to Luke Bryan’s official Instagram page to check it was true.

I knew he was married to a woman named Caroline Boyer and they had five kids, three of which were adopted.  
When he told me he was having marital problems, I checked his social media.  
But he’d just posted a picture on his Instagram of him and his wife beaming at each other.  
They looked so in love.  
_That’s just a PR stunt, we’re going through a divorce_, he wrote when I questioned him.  
_I’m sorry to hear that_, I replied.  
I was honoured that a big star like him was confiding in me.  
A few weeks in, his friendly banter turned flirty.  
I was a 55-year-old grandmother and flattered to be getting the attention of a gorgeous 45-year-old celebrity. So I happily reciprocated.  
But whenever I asked him to talk on the phone or FaceTime, he said it was against his management’s orders.  
I was frustrated, but at the same time, I knew being in the public eye meant he was being watched like a hawk.  
One day, he made a confession I didn’t expect.  
_I love you, Denise_, his message read. _I’m so glad I found you_.  
I couldn’t believe it. Luke Bryan was in love with me!

Eventually, I told him I loved him too.  
He wasn’t just a singer, he was also a songwriter.  
So when he sent me some poems that he’d written for me, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world.  
_Please keep my divorce to yourself, I don’t want people to know yet_, he messaged.  
_Of course, your secret’s safe with me_, I replied.  
But was it all too good to be true? There was a niggling doubt in my mind.  
I’d heard of catfishing, so I showed my son-in-law John the pictures that Luke had sent me.  
‘It looks legit to me,’ he said.  
It gave me all the reassurance I needed to pursue the relationship.  
Then, Luke made a surprising request.  
_Please can you send me some money?_ he messaged one day.  
I thought it was odd. He was a millionaire after all.  
_Why do you need money?_  I replied.  
_My wife has frozen my bank account_, he explained.  
I told him that I wasn’t exactly flush for cash. I was reluctant, because I needed every penny. But he managed to persuade me.  
_I need to buy birthday presents for my boys_, he pleaded.  
Being a mum and a grandma myself, it played on my heart strings.

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