Who are Albert Close and Mick and what is their story?

Albert Close is a retired shepherd who is in the same place every night at the Fox and Hounds. His old dog, Mick is always with him. However Mick has a serious eye condition that can be fixed easily. The men who frequent the bar take up a collection for the operation because Albert can't afford it. The operation is very successful but Albert thinks Mick recovered on his own.