Black Dog has a real name: I thought it was spelt Portia or possibly Porsche, but I have decided it must be spelt Porchia. Thanks to Amy Bodossian for putting me onto this esteemed Argentinian poet, who is a very fitting namesake for my thoughtful, extremely empathetic and constant companion.

The aphorism that Amy quotes, ‎'I know what I have given you. I do not know what you have received.' is exactly what Black Dog appears to be saying when she looks into my eyes and lays an anxious paw in my lap.