We picked up a sad, barely responsive boy, who jumped at shadows and was not very interested in anything.
After a few days he began to steal things that belonged to us (remote controls, my Prada glasses) and secrete them in his bed (after a thorough chewing).
Gradually he grew bolder, and very very affectionate, and stopped his thieving!
Now he is a cheeky boy who wants nothing more than to jump into our laps (half of him, anyway), and is playful and confident.
At ten years old, he is unrecognisable as the timid fellow he was seven years ago. He has helped us through lockdowns by being so loving and cuddly. One look in his eyes (he can hold a gaze unlike any other dog) and we feel hopeful!