I was moved by both your published letters on birds carrying messages of comfort (2 February) and Zoe Williams’ reflections on Jilly Cooper’s memorial (3 February) to recall a stoic old dog who we rehomed a few years ago.

She’d had a difficult life, much of it spent at the whims of unhappy owners, and after she died we buried her in our garden.

Later that evening, five Canada geese alighted close by in the field next door, in a line facing her plot, where they stayed in formation, giving every impression that they were watching over her, and taking it in turns to peck around for food.

A few days later, they rose as one in a majestic sequence and flew off to the east. My sister suggested that they were providing the escort home that she so deserved.
Jill Webster
Truro