Lizzy had always been aware that dogs had to be trained and taught obedience. Not with a whip, but with firm kindness.

So she started immediately by teaching Molly to sit, stay and give paw.

It was great fun for both of them, a game they never tired of playing.

Her parents had taken to Molly straight away and her dad had found an old leash and collar in the barn that would do until he could buy a new set after the Christmas holiday.

The collar was a bit too big for such a small dog and she kept wriggling out of it, running off into all the corners that must be investigated.

Still, she came obediently when called, sitting down in front of Lizzy while sweeping the floor with her tail, an enquiring look on her cute face and most times extending a paw.