Hector
Dependable to the bone
Hector has never once caught a squirrel — not that he would ever, ever admit it. But here's the thing about Hector: when it matters, he is there. Always. Even in a storm. Especially in a storm.
The Real Hector
Full name Hectoramus Silk Pyjamas. Hector is gentle and kind, but above all else loyal, the most loyal friend a dog or human could wish for. Having spent a lot of his early years with Kip and Kai, he learnt very quickly to love cucumbers, and he still loves his human mother on Sundays when it’s a roast chicken day! He has an obsession with squirrels, but has never actually caught one!
What Hector teaches
The friend who shows up is worth a hundred who only mean to.
Show up
Most of friendship is simply being there — at the gate, on the road, in the rain. Hector never misses.
Say the scared bit
Even the boldest squirrel-chaser gets frightened. When Hector finally said so out loud, it wasn't weakness — it was the bravest thing he ever did.
Never stop trying
Squirrels: hundreds. Hector: nil. And tomorrow morning he'll be off like a rocket again — because trying is the fun part.
Brave isn't never being scared. Even Hector was scared once — and saying so out loud changed everything.