In the space of an afternoon both dogs were dead. The first – an ancient collie – died of old age. The second, however, was subject to a vicious attack by an Alsatian. In short, he was savaged to death.

How would I ever confess to my friend that her poor pet was no more? While I was working out what to say to her, mutual friends A and S were already on the phone, retelling all the gory details.

I never got the chance to apologise for not taking better care of my friend’s dog. She was so distressed by the news of the death that as soon as she put the phone down on our mutual friends she found a quiet spot where she promptly committed suicide.