Today I saw a perfectly balanced duo crossing Rouse Street. One member was stooped and took short, stiff, bow legged steps as he negotiated the distance between the median strip and the footpath. He held a dog lead in his left hand. The other was on four long articulated legs and was tethered by his collar and lead to the old man. The late afternoon sun highlighted the muscles moving under the satiny, grey coat of the Weimaraner as he paced slowly and with restraint, keeping his lead slack. The pair crossed the road and walked the twenty metres to their apartment block. They mounted the stairs even more slowly and moved to the entrance keypad, still moving as a relaxed unit.

I felt the dog was walking the man with respect and patience. My heart went out to the pair of them.