I have a jet black German Shepherd (profile pic) who makes every single day better, smilier, and more active.
Our previous dog looked very similar but was a *** (oh dear, moderation has taken out the perfectly correct word for a female dog, so fill this bit in yourself!). She had a different character; she worked for years as a therapy dog, in special schools, childrens' hospitals and even youth offender units.
We are only just beginning to realise what our precious relationship with dogs can do for us.
The emerging science on this is amazing. A hospital consultant said (of our therapy dog) "for about 50% of my patients, and for about 50% of the time, she is cheaper than drugs, safer than drugs, faster-acting than drugs, and longer-acting than drugs".
She said that in front of a large audience. I was welling-up at the back of the room(!)
