Sometimes you hear news that stops you in your tracks for a moment...
 That's what happened to me the other day when I heard that a dog I'd only briefly known had died. Milo was a Parson Russell Terrier who I'd met when photographer Charles Ward took my photo a few weeks ago for Barton Today magazine, where I write a regular column on dog training and behaviour.
Some dogs just have a big character and it doesn't matter whether they're Milo-sized or Great Dane-sized. For the photo shoot, I popped round with Barton Today's editor for ten minutes and we needed a dog for the shot. I'd not had time to bring any of mine along so Milo, who went to work with Charles, was there to step in. He'd met us at the door as I suspect he did with everyone, wagging his tail and checking us out.
When Charles took the photo, he was up on a ladder, so Milo was the best part of five feet up in the air in my arms. He was probably more used to the lights and cameras than I was, but he didn't like being foisted up into the air - Even if I did have 'Dogfather' written on my chest. No problem though, he didn't grumble or snap, he just wriggle a little as if to say "No offence, but I'd much rather be on the floor, thanks" (Forgive the humanisation, dog fans!)
When we were all done, I drove off in the Land Rover mulling over what a nice little dog he was. A good advert for terriers, you might say. (In fairness, you have a lot of time to think when you drive an old Land Rover...)
When I heard the news that he'd died of a suspected brain tumour only a few weeks later, I was surprised - He'd seemed so full of life and spirit. How sad. Some dogs have character out of all proportion to their size and Milo was undoubtedly one of them. I only met him for ten minutes but he'd made a lasting impression on me (and I see a LOT of dogs). Once seen, never forgotten...
Rest In Peace, Milo: "Little dog, BIG character"
Graeme
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