Bruce Wayne has the habit of making being Batman a lonely job. Despite an extended Bat-Family with plenty of people who would be there for him in a second if he needed it, Bruce often works independently and doesn’t reach out to those close to them when he needs help. This holiday season Batman is missing one of his dearest friends and receives needed support from his two dogs.

Batman’s had a tragic winter so far. In Batman #83 by Tom King and Mikel Janin, Alfred Pennyworth is killed after Bane breaks his neck. The moment was simultaneously shocking and heartbreaking. Batman held Alfred’s lifeless body in his arms and shed tears to his fallen confidant and father figure. It was a rare moment where Batman allowed himself to grieve.

In Detective Comics #1018 by Peter J. Tomasi, Scott Godlewski, David Baron, and Rob Leigh, the aftermath of King’s “City of Bane” arc is explored. As he deals with a group of mysterious deaths around Gotham, Batman struggles with Alfred’s passing and continuing on without him. After beating the snot out of some troublemakers, Batman speeds home in the Batmobile for something urgent - to play catch with two dogs, Ace and Titus.

While Ace was the original Bat-Hound, Titus was introduced in the Post-Flashpoint era of Batman. In Detective Comics, they’ve avoided the confusion and brought both dogs into the fold. It’s a good thing they’re around because when Bruce plays catch with them in the snow, he falls to his knees and laments about Alfred being gone. The dogs console their owner. Later, Batman falls asleep in his chair and Titus and Ace wake him up by barking and handing him his ringing cellphone so he can connect with Lucius and get to the annual Wayne Foundation Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.

Batman is obviously emotionally exhausted from being Batman and is suppressing his feelings about losing Alfred. Like a good pet does, Ace and Titus are there to give him support - whether that’s taking his mind off things by playing fetch or giving him an assist by waking him up and handing him a cellphone. Dealing with trauma isn’t easy, but having a couple of loyal dogs by his side is exactly what he needs right now. Titus and Ace will help Bruce get through the holidays. The two very good boys will always be there for Batman.

Next: Superman Gave Batman The Cruelest Christmas Gift Ever