Meet Charlie.

The idea to get a second dog was inspired chiefly by Jack's fervent enthusiasm for dog company. He'd act deflated after returning from a spell in dog hotel , and sometimes after meeting any dog pals on a walk. Rather than another pedigree, an RSPCA rescue dog this time. And something in a smaller size. Charlie immediately caught my eye on touring the Bristol dogs home.

A blend of terrier, he came with a warning. Twice rejected by adopters for aggressive or defensive behaviour. A couple of trial visits worked out well enough, so he's now a permanent resident. He does suffer from anxiety, and has demonstrated a tendency to snap and snarl defensively when feeling threatened. Most of the time he's fairly affectionate, although still a little stand-offish around people. He's improving all the time, I think, as he becomes more familiar to his new home.

The pair of them have adjusted to each other's company well, and keep each other busy throughout the day. It's quite remarkable how much exercise they seem to offer each other. Prior to Charlie's arrival Jack really required two or even three longish walks per day; anything less and he'd be an awkward bundle of nervous over-activity. Now the pair of them are content staging day-long Greek Wrestling contests, a single walk in the early evening suffices. It may be counter-intuitive, but in some ways it seems two dogs are more easily managed than one.