My best workmate is slowing down and I'm not ready

It's an inescapable fact of life that none of us are getting any younger, but the day that you notice the dog you've had since he was a tiny puppy shows the first sign of slowing down comes as a kick in the crotch.

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From the moment we brought our sighthound Walter home for the first time in October 2015, he was more or less feral for the next two years. No crackpot stunt was beyond his capabilities or imagination.

Walter's only ever had two settings, both of which can best be described as flat out - 40mph and asleep - on one of the three beds and two sofas he has permanent access to.