A 'simple request' brings only thoughts of neglect and investigation, in this case an equally simple way to jump on the elderly, the alone, someone who has the presence of a dog which can only assist in recovery but for a short time needs a little help ? In my mind there lies a great human interest story for the media and an opportunity for the SPCA to be, for a moment, the hero. As I see it, the stage was set and the SPCA couldn't lose. In situations like this the hero could fall in an outhouse on the way and still come up smelling like a rose!

With 100% certainty I can say that elderly and temporarily disabled does not equal helpless, neglectful, unloving and unable to find a way to meet the needs of a canine companion and often 'significant other'. Cheers for the person who caught the red flag and many thanks to the volunteer who came forward to meet a simple need.