Vermin and his little dog Mongrel.
Mongrel was living in someone's basement for a very long time, surviving off of mice and insects. He was very scraggly, sickly and emaciated. The owners of the house were unaware of his existence, believing the basement to be haunted by poltergeists and demons. One day they peeked in and saw Mongrel's shadow, spindly hairs everywhere and an arched back. Immediately they called a priest, but upon finding the truth about what lived in their basement, they called an exterminator.

Mongrel got scared and escaped through the awning-type window. He ran until he collapsed, then hid behind trash bins in an alley to rest. This is where Vermin meets him, cleans him up, and discovers that little rat is a Bedlington! There is an instant connection between the two outcasts and after Vermin cleans him up, he and Mongrel adopt each other.

Of course, Vermin would never wish the plague on his only friend, so Mongrel comes and goes on command. He can sense the death and disease in Vermin, but the happy-go-lucky (albeit idiotic) dog doesn't mind. He doesn't understand.