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span class="caption" style="width: 181px;">Safety first: Handoko and Ace wear the appropriate safety gear when riding on Handoko's motorcycle. (JP/Indra Harsaputra)The economic crisis that plagued Europe and China some years ago inevitably affected businesses in Indonesia, including one owned by Handoko Nyotokusumo.

The 57-year-old's spirits were low until found companionship in Ace and Armani, two male golden retrievers who were capable of restoring his enthusiasm for business.

Dogs are indeed loyal companions, as seen in the film Air Bud, in which a golden retriever named Buddy helps a boy regain confidence after losing his father in a plane accident. A real-life example, Xu Ming's dog, displayed the skill of sweeping the streets of Changchun, Jilin, China, where the retriever and his master walked along.

On Sunday mornings, Handoko takes Ace and Armani around the car-free day zone in Bungkul Park, Surabaya. 'I would like to give them a lift on a bicycle, but Ace and Armani can't sit in tandem yet. It has taken six months to teach them how to ride pillion by motorcycle,' said the husband of Amelya, 58.

Three years ago, Handoko was no pet lover. He spent most of his time handling his business and clients. In May 2010, the oldest of his five children, Ficky Stefanus, bought a golden retriever named Samatha, the would-be mother of Ace and Armani. 'I didn't like domestic animals because I had no time,' he noted. Samatha was mostly looked after by Ficky until the birth of Ace and Armani.

In mid-2011, Handoko's business fell victim to the affects of the European and Chinese crisis. 'When I was alone in my room, I was overwhelmed by frustration, Ace and Armani would come near me, wanting to play with me. They followed me wherever I went,' he added.

Gradually, Ace and Armani cheered Handoko up in times of disappointment. 'When all my partners and friends abandoned me, Ace and Armani accompanied me,' he pointed out.

 Handoko takes his dogs along with him when he goes out for his daily errands runs. Armani even protected him when Handoko was being bothered by a stranger. 'Now I'm reenergized to revive my business,' he remarked.

Unlike in the past, Handoko now spends around Rp 2.5 million (US$257.5), which includes nutritious meals and grooming, to take care of his dogs. Every day, he takes Ace and Armani for a 7-8-kilometer ride, providing them with sunglasses and helmets for safety.

Handoko also plans to buy a plot of land in a village. 'I want to breed golden retrievers so that others can find companionship in dogs' he revealed.