Susan Dodd
Benson lives in a workshop on Cinder Lane, which his friend Mr Elvic owns. Mr Elvic likes to repair broken-down machines, especially lawnmowers and Benson has a warm, cosy bed in front of the log-burning stove in the workshop. Benson’s best friend Cookie, lives at Woodlands Care Home where the staff looks after people who need special care and help. When Benson visits Cookie at the Care home, he asks him why he likes living there so much. Cookie introduces Benson to the residents living at the home and the visitors who come to entertain them. He meets Dowter, the big, black dog who comes with his owner, Mrs Mawks. He sees how happy the residents are to see Dowter as they talk to him and stroke him fondly. When Mrs Gee comes for a sing-along, not everyone is pleased to see her though and the caring staff at the home throw Albert a lovely birthday party with a special cake and presents - and Benson starts to understand just why Cookie loves living at the Care home so much.
