Ruby

This is my best friend's Weimaraner, Ruby, who is now 10 years old. She was a fortieth birthday present (hence the name)...OK you do the maths....!

I spent many years walking with Sandra and Ruby, before I got my own dog - last child - few years waiting period - full stop dog - anyway she is special to me too.

When I was growing up in Croydon, our neighbour owned two Weimaraners, and they used to bark a lot, and on a couple of occasions jumped the fence terrifying my parents, as they were fierce guard dogs.

I have since learned that size (and bark volume) is not a good judge of fierceness - and beautiful Ruby is one of the most gentle dogs I know.