A Dog and Its Boy

I saw a trio of beings coming down the lane from the school this afternoon. It consisted of a middle aged man, a young boy – probably his grandson – and a soft-eyed Labrador dog. When I smiled at the dog, the little boy smiled back and I thought I detected a hint of pride in his look. The dog continued to wag its tail and look soft. The middle aged man maintained his sour expression.

It occurred to me that all children should have a good dog for a companion. Good dogs have such good values, and are probably a far better influence on the impressionable young mind than a good many adult humans.