Took my mother’s dog (Beano, see left, behaving perfectly in the park) for a walk a couple of weeks ago and was shouted at for no discernible reason. So naturally I wrote about it. HERE’s the column. One cross woman has emailed me saying I’m not fit to be a dog owner as a result, so I’ve replied saying when it comes to dogs, I think there seem to be as many opinions as there are when it comes to raising children. Not that I would dare write a column about raising children, obviously.

By the way, on the subject of columns, if you’re looking for some sensible and clear writing amidst the mass of very unclear and less sensible writing on Gaza and Israel, Deborah Ross’s contribution last week was – I thought – very brilliant. It’s HERE.