“The more one gets to know of men, the more one values dogs,” wrote Alphonse Toussenel in 1847. How very perceptive. Can’t help but think everyone could do with a simple, faithful Teddy when the skies are so grey and the news on the radio is enough to make you want to tune out and turn off. All this Miniature Schnauzer wants is soothing sofa-snuggles, plenty of balls to fetch and the odd trip to the fridge for a carrot-y snack. The weekend’s almost here: I’m forgoing newspapers. I’ll throw a ball or two (hundred) instead.