‘I mean, convulsions, foaming at the mouth – I once read somewhere that dogs can have epileptic fits. And once you know what they have, you can treat it, the same way you can with humans.’

Daniel sighs. ‘Well, OK then, let’s stop by your vet if that’ll make you feel better. It’s also a nice walk from here in this lovely weather, so it’s a good idea anyway.’

Caroline nods. ‘Yes, I’ll call Dr Wagner right away.’

•

‘I can already tell you something reassuring at the outset, Ms Neumann. So far, Hercules appears to be in the best of health. Clear eyes, a cold nose, good body tension – so I would rule out an infection.’

Once again, I’m on the cold metal table in Dr Wagner’s consulting room, letting him fiddle around with me, resigned to my fate. I feel so miserable that I don’t even take advantage of the opportunity to check out Dr Wagner’s blue eyes. But what can I say? It’s my own fault. It would of course be only fair for Mr Beck to share some of this retribution, but that’s not the way the world works. Wagner pats my head, then he turns back to Caroline and Daniel, who are standing next to the table and watching the whole procedure attentively.

‘As far as epilepsy goes, it does exist in dogs, but unfortunately it’s pretty hard to diagnose. However, it often runs in families. Do you know whether there’s any history of epilepsy in Hercules’s family?’

Caroline shrugs her shoulders. ‘No, sorry. I got Hercules at the animal shelter. I don’t know anything at all about his family, but he supposedly comes from a very reputable breeder. The only thing is that he’s not pedigreed, so they gave him up.’

Dr Wagner looks at me thoughtfully. ‘Hmm, reputable breeder…I have to say I had the feeling right from the start that I’d seen Hercules somewhere before. Must have been a dachshund breeder, and I know nearly all of them. Maybe it was at the old von Eschersbach’s place?’

VON ESCHERSBACH! The very mention of his name almost knocks me off the table. I jump up and start barking loudly. Exactly! It’s me! A true von Eschersbach! A real good one!

‘Easy there!’ Wagner says, while gently placing me back in the middle of the table. ‘You clearly know this name very well, little chap. I would say: Bingo!’

What Bingo has to do with any of this is a mystery to me, but for the first time since we met, I almost like Dr Wagner. Finally, a person who recognizes my true origins.