Four months since she arrived here, Lula has settled in very well.  Every morning she leaves her crate and runs upstairs to jump on to the bed and rub noses with me, then she lies on the bed for just a few minutes. Next she scampers downstairs into the back garden to wake all the other dogs in the neighbourhood – and the humans. After this she waits patiently in an armchair for me to get ready and at 8.30 we go for her first – and best – walk of the day, where she plays with other dogs. Near our house is an open space, reasonably secure, which is a magnet for local dogs and their owners. We all arrive at the same time, so that the dogs can play together and get some good exercise. Up to fifteen different dogs usually show up, of various breeds and sizes. They are well socialised and not aggressive – this is a godsend, and I know we are very lucky.

Sometimes Lula likes to play ball, and she retrieves it very well.  But she is often outrun by a smaller dog like the Jack Russell shown in the picture.  The short-legged dogs just seem to run faster for some strange reason!  There is a well-used footpath running through the field and lots of passers-by enjoy the sight of dogs playing.  the best times are when a group of dogs plays chase and they run huge circuits around the open space, accompanied by excited barking from Lula!

After half an hour of sniffing, rolling in foxes’ smells and chasing each other, the dogs have had plenty of exercise and their Mums and Dads need to go to work.  We all go our separate ways to feed our four-legged friends and prepare for the day ahead. The dogs go home to sleep and recharge their batteries ready for their next walk.

The Obamas have finally welcomed their Portuguese Water Dog, named Bo, to the White House.I am a little disappointed that he is not actually from an animal; rescue centre.  It is true that his first owners gave Bo up because things were not working out with their existing dog, another Portuguese Water Dog. They gave him back to the breeder, and this was the breeder from where Ted Kennedy bought his own Portuguese Water dog.  The Senator  was obviously on the lookout for a dog from this breed, it was he who advised the family to get one.  The Portuguese Water dog sheds very little hair, making it suitable for anyone with allergies – also for people who do not want to clear up mats of dog hair every day. The Portuguese Water Dog is set to become known as the “Hypoallergenic Dog Breed” now the Obamas have given it such prominence.

Bo is still a puppy – just six months old – so he has had some upheaval in his short life. He was born in Texas, his first owner lived in Washington, DC, he returned for just a day to the breeder, then spent a month being trained for his new role in Virginia, before moving on to his new home at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Before his arrival at the White House the First Family’s dog spent a month with a dog trainer. Was this necessary? Hard to tell: a trained puppy can be allowed to stray into more public events, I suppose.

It is not always necessary to buy from a breeder if you want to adopt a specific breed.  There are plenty of rescue organisations who rehome one breed of dog, and a quick search online should find you a rescue organisation for the kind of dog you would like to own.  While there are so many dogs available for adoption, it makes no sense at all that breeders are producing so many puppies – many of whom are rejected by their owners in later life. And the Kennel Club continues to rubber stamp this culture.

We got a great surprise when we got home last night. Ben Wilson came round to the house and painted my picture yesterday. It is right outside the front door, next to the tree. Every time I go for a walk I will see my Kevin the Collie picture, complete with a sausage border! Here is a photo of my picture, see what you think.