In a life of ups and downs, we have come to cherish our dog’s uncomplicated love | Ranjana Srivastava

Every day, we walk Odie along the same paths. He eats the same food at the same time. And yet, for him our bounties feel limitless

The last patient on my rounds is elderly, cognitively impaired and wonderfully complimentary. The nurse is dedicated. Dutiful interns like mine go places. She loves my dress. We joyfully acknowledge these statements because we dread the next, heartbreaking question: Do you know I have a dog?"

Lizzy is a corgi named after the late Queen. For 10 years, they have lived and grown as one, watching television, pottering in the garden and sleeping side by side.