Working with me. The first writing dogs I ever had were Julius and Stanley, two genial Yellow Labs who collapsed in a stupor when I turned on the computer to work. Frieda is my writing dog now, she loves to settle in her dog bed and watch me work.

A good writing dog has to be calm when the computer is on.

Make all kinds of good groaning and sighing noises while I work – commentary, like the Greek Chorus.

Love to walk with me while I sort out ideas, words and structure.

Look baleful when my editor’s notes come, and I have to do it all over again. And again.

Look reflective and baleful, even adoring at times.

Given that she wanted to eat me when she first arrived on the farm, Frieda and I have come a long way. She is a soulmate now.

And a great writing dog.