She and Koko became inseparable, with Gemma even taking Koko to work with her at the practice. “Koko was also a patient there and underwent numerous operations throughout her life – including having one ear removed. “And that’s where I immediately took her back in February 2020 when I saw she wasn’t being her normal self. “Koko was walking in circles and only managing to settle down briefly before pacing around again. “She would also have a glazed look in her eyes and would stand in the garden or the house as though trying to make sense of where she was and what she was doing. “She still wanted to play but would often stop in the middle of chasing a ball and look confused.” Gemma’s colleagues identified the early signs of dementia and she adjusted her lifestyle to help Koko cope. “I tried to make each day as similar as possible and lockdown meant months of very limited and simple routine.”