Once upon a time (1982) two little Cavalier sisters came to my owner's house. They were her pride and joy, and so began her love of my breed. But the 'obedience bug' had bitten years before, with the first of our owner's dogs, a Dalmatian called Major. Sadly, he died at just over 4 years of age and no other dog came along for seven years.

Then, can you believe it, they had another Dalmatian answering, when he felt like it, to Oscar, and what a bundle of laughs he proved to be. However, 'Mum' proved to be made of stronger stuff and, although he didn't like it, Oscar was made to obey. He went to classes and, to everyone's amazement, started getting placed at Club cup nights and, occasionally, at exemption shows, eventually getting 8th place in Beginners at a Harlow Open Obedience Show - once. Oscar was hard work and totally unsuitable for youngsters to be actively involved with so, at last, the right decision was made, with the result that the sisters Patty (Crystal Caprice) and Jennie (Rosina Sunset) arrived in the household.

In time, they joined Oscar, at Epping & District Dog Training Club, working their way through the classes with their young handlers. They went to Exemption shows, competing in the novelty classes, as well as obedience, though it was becoming quite apparent to all concerned. that Patty preferred "Mum", and no one else on the planet would do. A rescue Cavalier, Rikki (Vella Harvey Moon) then came, and now there was four, training and showing.

(In late 1989, tragedy struck with the loss of Oscar, with a brain tumour, and a little over two weeks later, Rikki died of suspected spinal cancer.)

Being officially 'Mum's', Patty started training more seriously, and the results at Exemption shows and inter-club matches, were nothing to be ashamed of, though only numbering amongst the 'also ran' at a couple of Open Obedience Shows. Discovered amongst the show reports of 'Dog Training Weekly', back in 1985, South Eastern Counties Toy Dog Society obedience show, confined to Toy Group dogs only, was to change all our lives. Scheduled with the breed show, the obedience classes were held at the Porchester Hall, Queensway in Central London, a very posh venue with a double staircase leading to the hall, and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. In these grand surroundings, rather different from muddy fields, Patty won her first Beginners.

Pat Ross, who runs the obedience show with 'Mum', has Papillon, Khanness Birthday Boy and Yorkie, Kerry's Mr. Toby. Both her dogs have won at open show, in classes of over 30 and over 50, the only 'toys' in those classes, and left the Collie and G.S.D. handlers gaping, maybe their dogs as well. So, you see, it can be done and that is why Hovis and I travel down from Scotland to Uxbridge, twice a year, to take part in this unique show.

I, at least, am trying to be 'Mum's second super-star' and I can work well when I want, but if more interesting things catch my eye, I just leave the ring for a 'crack' with my pals. 'Mum' doesn't get cross though (there's no point and the fun would be gone), so I'll never be in the team of Toy Group dogs, that were chosen by The Kennel Club for The Good Citizen demonstration at Discover Dogs in 1998, for Crufts in 1999, and an obedience demonstration at Discover Dogs in 1999.

Still, Hovis and I have both passed our Good Citizen Bronze and Silver and, in time, will try for the Gold. Recently, we both passed our Road Safety Awareness and continue to train with our pal, Jack (Carleny Sunset Surpirse) and his 'mum', at Fair City Dog Training Club.

So, come on all you Cavaliers, glance at your owner, probably lying in the armchair and dazedly watching TV. If you are sprawled across the lap, leap up, as if bitten, and jump about, with paws on the shoulder, blocking the TV and eventually forcing said owner to rise. If you are lying dutifully in your own bed, leap to your feet and fly across the room, landing in the said lap and proceed, as previously described.

When your unfortunate owner is on his or her feet, continue the performance by demonstrating in any suitable way, the power of your brain, and go to any lengths to please. On walks, continue in this most satisfactory manner, endeavouring to have an audience whenever possible. Eventually, the congratulations received by such performances, will swell the head of your owner, and they may decide to show you off in the obedience ring.

Should this happy state of affairs exist, we will gladly welcome you to the South Eastern Counties Toy Dog Society shows. Oh, and don't forget to tell all your Toy Group dog friends; the more the merrier and remember, no matter what level of proficiency you attain, it can only be of benefit.