Caspar, my collegues’ fosterdog, who’s our house guest during the holidays, is jealous of Totter. He’s trying to conquer his bed, take away his bone and stealing his food. The latter was too much for old Totter and before I knew it, they were in a fight. Totter fled into the garden where he stood whining and squeeking and didn’t dare come into the house again. I fed him outside and gently lured him back into the house, where he was rewarded with a treat. He’s now a velcrodog; stuck to our legs, the poor old man. Luckily, neither dog was injured, apart from their pride.

We’re guessing Totter really had to fight for his food (lately, in the shelter?) and, judging by his physical condition, has always been on the losing side. Outrageous, I can find no other word for it… Caspar will have to improve his attitude, otherwise he can pack his bags and stay somewhere else or spend a lot of his time in his crate, especially when Totter’s eating (and that’s about eight times a day).