I didn’t have long to enjoy Christmas before starting my sit on the 27th for The Plaidy Lady. It was probably a good thing as I’d been hitting the mince-pies hard!

My new charges, two black Labradors from the same litter, were delighted to see me again and greeted me with wagging sterns, proffering their favourite soft toys.

“I’m afraid they’re a bit out of condition.” The Plaidy Lady told me apologetically.

“That makes three of us!” I thought as I took the soggy, stuffed Canada goose from Hercules.

“I’ve been so pre-occupied with Christmas and our trip away to do more than take them down to the beach for a quick run.” I assured The Plaidy Lady that the dogs would enjoy plenty of exercise with me. Hercules and Helena looked unimpressed with that remark I thought!