We have to all chip in and get Spaw a Dachshund as a homecoming gift when he returns from the medical facilities. Better that it should be a purebred miniature Dachshund, because they have really buggy little eyes and sharp noses and they're mostly a bit nuts. Very entertaining. ;-) I can't imagine what could put him in a better mood and hasten his recovery more effectively. Perhaps the dog could even be brought to his bedside now if the nurses are agreeable. Dachshunds do not mind strong odours. In fact, they seek them out. The more I tbink about it, the better this idea sounds.