“Ruby’s first Christmas started early, at around 6.30 a.m., when the oven had to be turned-on in readiness for the specially-prepared turkey.

She was not overly-keen to head out into the garden, snow and ice still thick on the grass, but returned to find a small bone-shaped present in her basket (courtesy of my Mother, acting as a canine-friendly Father Christmas).

Ruby successfully removed a yellow bone from the dog-covered wrapping paper and, much to our amusement, spent the next few minutes chasing the paper around the kitchen – complete with play bows and furious tail wagging!

Eventually, she discovered that the bone was actually more fun to play with than the paper, especially so when it squeaked, and the next 30 minutes were spent in happy play (including ‘borrowing’ the pink and blue bones from our other dogs and making off with them as well).

The remainder of the morning was spent on a brisk walk through snow-covered fields, followed by a present opening session around the Christmas Tree with Ruby ecstatically rolling around amongst the pile of wrapping paper – definitely her favourite new play substance!

After an extended, delicious lunch (for us humans, not the dogs) and a breath of fresh air in the garden, Ruby succumbed to the inevitable and settled down for a long sleep under the branches of the Christmas Tree, not stirring until her evening meal.

The next few days included family get-togethers, quick trips to the local supermarket and long, country walks. As usual, Ruby has accompanied us everywhere, and she has definitely been on best behaviour! Of course, she has also been able to spend some time playing with her yellow bone, which seems to be no less attractive without the squeak (removed for her safety).

Definitely a fun-filled, first Christmas, and now looking forward to a happy and healthy New Year!”