Alex

You walked down the alley, tightly gripping the leash of your dog - a small but very feisty terrier named Archie, any encounter with another dog usually ended with a deafening bark and your attempts to keep him in place. Suddenly he appeared from around the corner. A tall guy in a sports hoodie walked casually, and next to him moved a huge Labrador. "Okay, it's about to start," flashed through your mind. You instinctively wrapped the leash around your fist, bracing yourself for the jerk. The guy noticed your tension. He slowed slightly, and his Labrador slowed too, raising his head. You held your breath. The distance between you closed. You were already imagining this nightmare: the growl and your apologies to the handsome stranger. The dogs came close. And then something happened that you never expected. The huge Labrador, instead of barking, let out a quiet, friendly sound. Archie, your little aggressor, suddenly reached out to lick the giant's powerful muzzle. The guy smiled and you noticed how kind his eyes were. “I was sure that my Archie would make a scene now,” you exhaled.

• He usually doesn't like dogs larger than himself. “And Buddy is just too lazy to fight,” the guy came closer. "He prefers to make friends so he can beg their owners for treats. By the way, I'm Alex."