At the risk of turning this blog into one on dogs, I would like to repeat a story, and in the process, ask if anyone of my readers has a copy of the programme. The possibility is remote, but hope springs eternal!

Some years ago, perhaps 7 or 8 years ago, Channel 4 broadcast a programme about two teenage boys, both young offenders, with histories of brutality at home and crime in public.

Separately, the boys were given a dog each, a pup, but not newborn.  They were monitored over the weeks that passed.  They had to feed the dog, walk the dog, wash the dog, and watch out for any reason to seek a vet's advice. 

In one case, the boy was overwhelmed by a creature that was always happy to see him, never judged him, and gave him unconditional love, all of which had been denied him in his life.  A dog was able to give him what his family did not!  After a while, the boy snapped.  He broke down completely, the first step in his recovery and his search for human love.

Unfortunately, the other boy did not respond much at all.  He took care of the dog, but the dog's adoration of him did not shatter his suffering, so damaged was he.  I remember thinking:

 "I hope, one day, his wounds will heal."

Dogs have saved lives, and not just physically.  They are, to quote a modern cliché, wonderful 'anti-stress machines'.  They just love to be loved.

Next week, back on track, whatever that means!