Beano makes a new friend.

Although I own a dog I'm not specifically a dog lover, I'm an animal lover.

Beano wasn't supposed to be my dog, when Steve had his stroke he was told to take more exercise, therefore he wanted a dog.

He would have liked something big and powerful but as we lived in a narrow boat I insisted on something smaller.

As I expected, Steve lost interest in Beano within weeks of us getting him. He would have happily returned him to the dogs home without compunction but I felt that was unfair as Beano was settling in nicely and so we kept him. I had already taken over feeding and walking him almost immediately as Steve couldn't be bothered, so Beano showed an obvious preference for me.

Once I moved here I soon realised that this small estate is cat central. Most of the cats run at the sight of Beano but if they don't run Beano is perfectly happy to make friends. Despite being a terrier breed he shows no aggression towards cats, rabbits or guinea pigs. He does however hate squirrels with a passion and will chase them.

Yesterday as I walked to my garden to hang out some washing, one of the local cats strolled past me and into my bungalow. Beano took no notice at all. This cat will walk up to Beano and bump noses with him. Today when I was hanging washing out a different cat made its way into my bungalow. When Beano and I walked back in doors the cat crept past Beano very cautiously but Beano didn't chase it.