JUPITER, the Bringer of Jollity

Clare wasn't sure how to help her husband - but perhaps there was someone special who did

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Stroking Jupiter's soft fur, Clare smiled down at the Labrador. It was truly a marvel, the transformation the dog had made to her friend Sophie's life.

'I wish I could persuade Jake into letting us have a dog,' Clare confided sadly to Sophie across the cafe table.

'Well, tell Jake that Jupiter's changed my life. I was lucky to get him. There's a long waiting list for such special dogs.' 'He is a beauty! 'He's more than a beauty, he's my lifeline. And it's less worry for Mum and Dad. They're not getting any younger, and having Jupiter around means they don't have to keep checking up on me every five minutes.

With him, I'm not on my own any more, and I'm able to get out and about.' Jupiter was looking adoringly at Sophie with his soulful, brown eyes and wagging his tail furiously. Then he stood up and put his front paws on the armrests of her wheelchair.

'No face kissing, Jupiter!' laughed Sophie.

'You're a clever boy,' said Clare, as Jupiter turned and licked her hand.

'The cleverest. He opens doors, picks up things I drop and hands me the TV remote.

He even puts my washing in the machine, and pulls off my socks at night. He's a bringer of joy, and he makes everyone smile.

I've met so many people since having him... neighbours I didn't even know I had!' They both laughed. Clare hadn't seen her friend this happy since the accident. It was a relief to see her regaining her independence.

'How's work going?' Clare ventured.

*Every counsellor should get a Jupiter in my opinion,' Sophie replied. 'My clients seem to get real comfort from him being there. They open up more, letting out their sorrows.

Jupiter will often put his head on their laps and they stroke him. I think he would even lick away their tears if he could. But he's been trained not to jump up like that.' 'I can see a dose of Jupiter could be a real tonic, Clare said.