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Staggeringly, there’s thought to be about 15 million dogs in the UK. They’re our most faithful friends and loyal cheerleaders. And one of the most exciting things about getting a dog is… getting a puppy! That joyful, unbelievably cute ball of fur and energy. But, as Carolyn Menteith sets out in her column on pages 62-3, getting a puppy might not always be the smart choice for a prospective dog owner.

As much as a pup is probably the sweetest thing since an eight-year-old Shirley Temple tap-danced onto the silver screen, they will utterly take over your life (and your house). “Puppies don’t do ‘convenient’ and they don’t have an off-switch,” says Carolyn. You will become their teacher, leader, mentor and cleaner-upper. So, as much as they’re an adorable dream, they might not always be the best option.

But there is a solution: a rescue dog. Some of these dogs have had a bad start and need extensive work and rehabilitation – and that can be off-putting – but many are there because of owners’ changing circumstances, family bereavement, financial crisis, accidental or irresponsible breeding… any number of reasons that are no fault of their own.

Elsewhere in this edition, and with the World Cup upon us, our regular cookery writer Miranda Gore Browne has put together a veritable football feast, based on the tournament host countries – Mexico, USA and Canada – but made with British ingredients! From beef empanadas to traditional burgers and even a Canadian poutine with pulled chicken, there’s enough to feed your starting XI. So, if you have friends and family popping round to enjoy the game, why not have a go at some of these great recipes and cheer your team on.