Mr Porretto, these days resembling nobody so much as Job, has lost a loved furry family member.

I remember, distinctly, the death of every pet I’ve ever had, and I understand.

Go offer Francis your condolences. And Bruno, say Hi to Bumble for me.

You know, you never get to meet a human who loves you as unconditionally as a dog. That’s probably a good thing, because the pain of THAT loss would probably be fatal.