When Carolyne Poulton caved in and bought her husband a much-longed for labrador, she could have never imagined that the animal would become the greatest passion in her life.
And today, after dedicating nearly two decades to re-homing thousands of dogs, she has been recognised by the Queen in her Birthday Honours List.
Mrs Poulton has been awarded a British Empire Medal for the tireless work she does finding new homes for countless labrador retrievers across the country.
From terminally ill owners who need to give their animals up to families who can no longer afford to keep their pets, the 63-year-old dedicates her time to finding them perfect new homes.
“Initially I put my foot down when my husband said he wanted a dog as I never wanted one,” she said.
“But eventually I caved in and bought a black lab, D’Arcy, and I fell for her hook, line and sinker.
“Before I knew it I was re-homing labradors without even realising it.
“Almost 100% of the dogs I rehome are much loved and only a sad change in circumstances or a crisis has caused it.
“When they hand them over there are always tears, and sometimes I’m crying with them.
“But they know their dog will be in safe hands as I don’t settle for anything less than perfect.”
Mrs Poulton, who lives at Lyfe, Caithness, has been finding new homes for animals for the last 16 years, but officially set up her charity, Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland, in 2011.
She has even placed animals who have gone on to become explosive dogs, search and rescue dogs and assistance dogs.
Mrs Poulton has her own two pets, a black labrador called Pilgrim and a chocolate lab, Emma, who she says she loves “more than life itself”.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have been recognised for something that is my passion,” she said.
“At the end of the day though I have the most wonderful job in the world, and that has always been enough for me.”