Why do guide dogs look so miserable?

I asked Freddie this and, as usual, he answered one question with another.
“Is that how they look to you? Miserable?”

Well, yes, I said. But I suppose I could be misinterpreting their expression. Maybe they are just worried. I mean, it must be a big responsibility, looking after a blind person: making sure they don’t bump into lamp-posts or fall down open drains – or get knocked down crossing the road.

Freddie said, “I have noticed that in our conversations you talk a lot about responsibility.”
Do I, I replied. I hadn’t noticed.
“Do you in some way feel responsible for these guide dogs?”
Don’t be silly, I retorted. I was becoming a little bit annoyed.
Freddie ignored this, and went on, “Okay. Let me put it another way: You seem to be able to put yourself in their shoes – or their paws, I should say.” He gave a little chuckle.
I did not join in.

So he went on. “You do this with people too. Do you remember, in our first meeting, you said that it must be highly stressful for me, being a psychiatrist – working all day with us ‘nutters’, as you put it. It was as if you were concerned about me… overly concerned, perhaps. Are you concerned about people, generally?”

I was beginning to feel a bit uneasy, the way this conversation was going. “Perhaps I have a low empathy threshold.” I laughed.
This time it was Freddie who did not join in. “Can you sees where concern might spill over into ‘taking responsibility, George?”


But I don’t want to talk about this, Anna. I want to thank you for ringing Freddie. I know he won’t let you come and visit me – yet. But he has allowed me access to a computer… and the net. Under strict supervision of course.

I am sorry about your unfortunate discovery - that Winston is gay. But you still seem to be friends – and it’s good to have a friend in a place like Purley. Also you have a job. I know being a barmaid is a bit degrading for someone who has been a professional porn movie star, but it is at least a job.

For the moment we will communicate via this blog, but I am sure Freddie will soon allow you to visit me here. In fact I do not expect to be in this place much longer. Not that I have any complaints; they treat me very well. I don’t have to make any decision, and my food is always on the table at proper mealtimes.

Oh, and don’t be too hard on Hector. Yes, he is boorish, insensitive, a cheat and a liar… but he means well. He had a difficult childhood.

I see Norah has been in touch. She’s not a bad old bird. You know that her dad bought Wynorin? He is using it as a sort of weekend retreat for his senior managers, to have what he calls ‘bonding sessions’.

Not like the bonding sessions we used to have there, eh?

Oh, I shall have to stop – I am getting too excited. It is time for my medication.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Your loving

George