The change in my little dog was noticeable within two weeks, and the improvement has continued steadily, over the last six months. By the time we went to SKC, to co-ordinate the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme again, over both days, in August, my dogs were walking into the showground. The luggage, of which there was much, went by cage and trolley.

It had long been apparent that Angus was not frightened of all dogs, only those with the head shape of the Rottweiler. This has been borne out on several occasions and further proved, when Angus 'fell' for a Leonberger. Her head seemed as big as the whole of him, and when her tongue came out to lick him, she looked as if she were going to swallow him. But my little lad just couldn't get enough of her attentions and pushed for more, when she lay down. When Robbie chose a 'friend of the day', he found a Papillon.

With the change in Angus being so marked that I decided to enter both my dogs in the Obedience at S.E.C.T.D.S. September Show. For eighteen years, I've run the South Eastern Counties Toy Dog Society Limit Obedience Show, currently held at Montem Leisure Centre, Slough, Berks. and for the last six years, have driven the round trip of well over 1000 miles. With the car packed to provide sleeping/living accommodation, we set off, three days before the show.

The weather was roasting and after two days of rushing around on visits and leaving the dogs with a friend, whilst I lunched with my cousin, it was a little unnerving, going into the ring. Neither Robbie (Leebren Rob Roy) nor Angus have worked in competition, in recent years and the only training we do, is at home. Angus was the first to work - and he was with me - for Heel on Lead and Heel Free, his Recall was enthusiastic and his Stays were perfect. As things had gone so well, I opted out of the Retrieve, and am sorry I did, because he can do it, though too enthusiastically. Angus can do a little heelwork to music, though we don't need the music, he sings. After speaking to the judge, we ended our performance with a twirl from him and a bow from me. Winners, yes, my Angus (Cavallino Jaeger) was a winner.

Robbie was willing in spirit, but that heat affected him and he was tired. Perhaps I shouldn't have shown him, but once we were back home, and after a good sleep, he was back to his usual self - always good.

Since then, we have been at Scottish Toy Dog and Angus let the judge handle him, walked up and down the mat without the shouting and whirling, waited quitely in line, mostly sitting beside me, then left the ring and waited quitely, whilst I talked to some folks. A winner again, most certainly, yes.

All my Cavaliers have been good, Robbie and Hovis have never been any problem, but I was in despair, at not being able to manage Angus, A change of food has certainly cured a lot of our problems, Angus is happier and more relaxed, I just want to keep cuddling him and he wants me to. As far as showing is concerned, he has faults but, I wouldn't swap my Angus for the best and most perfect dog in the world, and his breeder knows how grateful I've always been, that she allowed me to have him.

To finish, as always, my 'boys' are not show Cavaliers, nor is their standard particularly high in obedience competition. But we do not live for the 'ring', that is for fun and a day out; we live at home, together and I am so very proud of them both.

P.S. In 2003, Angus still helps me with several domestic chores, changing my bed, bringing dropped items of washing to the machine, removing my coat, what a little helper. There was something about a home job for life ......... perhaps he could be persuaded to ............ answer the door .............. put the washing on the line ............. make a cup of tea .... feed himself and Robbie ...................................................................