I've had four dogs before I got my present one, a retired racing greyhound called Taffy, and I've had to have two of them put down. Of the other two, one died of old age and the other chewed a piece of carpet and choked on it. She died on the vet's operating table.

Every time one of them departed, I felt as though a part of my being was wrenched from me. In truth it had been because there is no other companion on earth like a dog. They are loyal, trusting, caring, undemanding and always there. All they ask in return is to be loved and looked after properly.

So I've always reasoned that, if you didn't feel as though the world was about to collapse, when you took that final drive, then there just wouldn't be any point in having a dog.

My deepest condolences. And Taffy sends his as well.