I am sustained by the love of a little black dog.

After a day in the city of push and shove and road rage I come home to his endless bouncing joy. Boing! Boing! Boing!

When I lost my job he lay down next to me on the sofa and comforted me with little licks.

With each new rejection of my job applications he stayed with me.

When I broke down sobbing at the reluctance of an insurance company to pay a claim, he placed his paw gently on my thigh.

When I seem down he steals a thong off my foot and flings it down the stairs and scuttles cheekily around the house inviting laughter and play.

Even when he is busy guarding the back gate against any potential intruders he will come and check on my whereabouts and well-being at regular intervals.

I am sustained by the love of a little black dog.