Both arms close around the ginger puppy while the orange tubing of the stethoscope runs from its flank up to the boy's ears. His brows draw together and his eyes lift away — the consultation is being taken seriously. The white coat is far too long and falls almost to the ground, showing tartan shorts, striped socks and black shoes beneath. A round head mirror is strapped over dark curls, and a syringe, a small hammer and a folded slip of paper lie on the base.