Charlie

I'd like you all to meet the new love of my life: Charlie.

He was rescued as a puppy from a drainpipe in a rainstorm by Frank, plonked in the front passenger seat of the car and adopted. They've raised him to be the fine, friendly specimen of a mongrel (rottweiler and some other things, no one's quite sure) that he is today. Charlie is obedient and good-natured, a bit naughty, and likes most things any good dog would, oh, and sheds hair everywhere.

What stands out is his car obsession. Dearest Barney back home, whose car fetish reduces him either to a barking, straining lunatic when one goes past, or to a shaking, drooling, hyperventilating wreck when travelling in one. Charlie, on the other hand, partly due to his early car-based rescue, means he simply adores being in a car, even when the vehicle's not going anywhere. If he's nowhere to be found around the house, just check the cars. And there's nothing more endearing than driving along with him either sticking his nose out the window in exhilaration or slouched fast asleep with his head in your lap (which is perfectly safe when you're driving an automatic).

I'd take him with me on my travels if they'd let me.