Reggie Carstairs: Behind Closed Eyes

Book excerpt: After ten years living with Charles Carstairs and Charles’ maid, Winifred, in the penthouse of Belvedere Mansions Knightsbridge, eleven-year-old dachshund, Reggie, is in a reflective mood. He’s endured a rocky relationship with Winifred, (who doesn’t like dogs), and successfully plots to replace her with Zsa Zsa, a luscious (dog-loving) Hungarian maid. Finally freed from Winifred’s close supervision, Charles and Reggie climb aboard an emotional roller coaster and bond over shared experiences: the highs and lows of life. Canine philosopher, Reggie, thinks back on his relationship with Winifred and is wracked with guilt. Did he behave badly? Throughout the story, Reggie’s observations on the similarities and differences between man and dog are humorous and, at times, heartachingly poignant.