2. I am deeply grateful for the precious help my New Foundland dogs have given me: Simson, Yrsa, Rangi, Rea, and Tiki, not all of them present at the same time but usually two of them.

I bought them one by one according to my plan - they should force me outside, away from computer and papers. Together we have walked in the forest several times every day irrespective of weather conditions.

A little friendly nudge from a wet nose often called my attention - time for dinner, time for a walk. Or just a wish to be remembered and fondled.

As a spinoff I have learned much from them, about what is essential in life. And how to behave rationally - if nothing is urgent, then take a nap with happy dreams.

I have come to know nature much better than I ever would have been able to without them. A sharp nose and keen ears are what is needed in the forest, much more so than eyes. There is an invisible world out there which we citydwellers never will know.