Once upon a time, a little family went out to buy a new hamster. They were missing their now deceased pet so much, that a replacement had to be found. They returned from their ‘safari,’some hours later with –  a Border Collie –  which was of course way too big for the vacant hamster cage (and no, they didn’t try him for size!). Everyone was thrilled to have the dog home (for a trial period), except  mum who was extremely apprehensive and even a little afraid. Now Brig, for that was his name, was discovered languishing in kennels, looking rather thin and thoroughly miserable.  He had been earmarked, from birth, for competitions and trials but had been sadly ‘overtrained’. Consequently, he was timid – but he was black and white and beautiful. Before the family reached home the children had already made a list of essential supplies, planned where he would have his bed, best food, fashion and grooming accessories and exercise rota – trial period my eye!!! There would be no going back.                                                                                                                                       Continue reading →