Esther McCarthy: The ways that dogs play pivotal roles in our lives

"When you’re a child, you have a unique relationship with your dog. I can see it now I’m the mam. My boys adore our fella in a way I don’t. Like, he’s great and all, but it’s not like the absolute fierce way I loved Shep."

Bodhi, at play with the McCarthy clan.

“Go in and tell him his sandwich is ready, will ya?”

He cocks his head at me inquisitively. I’m at the kitchen island, and I realise I’ve just asked Bodhi, the dog, to go and tell my son it’s lunch time.