Rusty
This story is from the early 1990s. Matt was in his middle school years I think, perhaps between 8-12 years old. I just can’t pinpoint the date but I have a clear recollection of  Matt’s mischievous side here.
Sadly, on the day I was meant to visit Sandra (now in Herts) after school I had to cancel as I ran over a dog at Barton on my way to school in the morning. The dog ran off and I could not find the owner so I went to the police after school. It was sad, and I felt responsible but for the record the police definitely found me Not Guilty!
Later in the month I visited Sandra. I have a hazy recollection that it was now the summer holidays. As I entered their house Matt gasped, grabbed Rusty, his first ever dog, stroking him reassuringly, hastily taking him to a far seat in the lounge and making comments such as:
‘Be careful Rusty. You’re safe with me. Keep away’.
Later, when I was retelling my story to Sandra he was covering Rusty’s ears, casting exaggerated, wide-eyed indignant glances at me and issuing further warnings along the lines of  ‘Don’t listen Rusty’.
I cannot recall any of his actual words but I can still see the half smile amidst the melodrama and certainly I caught the glint in the eye. You get the idea and you will know and love the humour.
Strangely, although I had felt quite bad about the dog, and I was sitting in a house of dog-lovers, yet I left that evening relaxed and smiling.
Pitch perfect. Thanks Matt.

Tina