None of us for whom family life is not quite complete without the presence of a companion dog can ever overstate the positive influence of their complementary value in our lives. We are so enriched by their presence. Their empathy, their love, their constancy; the humour they bring with them to entrance and delight us.

And their presence adds so much grace just by being there at our side. Sharing life with us. Content and happy to be with us. The sharing and appreciation is so obviously reciprocal. We demand much of them and they in turn demand so little of us; essentially that they be loved, respected and cared for. Their presence stimulates us to a healthier lifestyle, yet another bonus that comes with that companionship while we are aware that they need contact with nature, and to be exercised and to be exposed to natural surroundings and the opportunity to come in contact with other creatures of the earth.

Their social life is enhanced by introduction to other dogs and they gain a coterie of casual friendships when they're taken regularly on walks and come across other companion dogs with whom they become inevitably, acquainted. And just as they have the opportunity for leisure exercise, so do we in accompanying them, in being responsible for them and to our sense of obligation.

When we are able by good fortune and circumstances to constantly immerse ourselves and by extension our dogs, directly into natural surroundings we are doubly fortunate, on both sides. So our personal proximity to a wooded ravine where we can daily accompany Jackie and Jillie, our two little dogs, for long tramps on seasonal forest trails is a joy both to them and for us.

We would never underestimate the influence on our well-being that close commune with nature allows us, nor would we overlook the necessity to expose two little dogs to that natural preserve so immediately accessible to us. There is something almost beyond defining that unites us with the natural world, that offers balm to our troubled souls. Personal cares are mitigated and placed into some kind of workable perspective; it is as though the forest acts as an empathetic mediator.

There is calm to be found, wandering among trees. The result is a peaceful experience, one that makes us eternally grateful that they are there, immature trees growing into venerable specimens, and we are able to admire them and enjoy their presence. The serenity of mind that accompanies these daily woodland rambles can be achieved in no other way.