As an only child until 11 years old, I had many lonely hours to fill. Whenever a dog lost his way or found himself without shelter, he would follow me home from school or from the park. It didn't seem polite to refuse a lost animal a meal and a warm place to sleep for the night. But one night usually turned into two, and sometimes three. Just as we were beginning to be friends, just as I was growing accustomed to being greeted at the steps when...