After a moment, Ben stands, pulling his hand back while keeping his eyes on the hound. As one final mercy, he nods again and four of the five settle down quietly, heads on their paws for what looks like might become a nap. The fifth, too strong willed, paces quietly, growling.

"Do let me know how they get on," he says, and steps back, into her shoulder with a tired rub of his head. "And maybe find somewhere actually quiet this time?"

It was hard work!