HAVE you ever had a role model? Do you know someone who always seems to say and do the right thing and you wish you could be more like them?

Well, the young puppy we are focusing on this week would benefit from spending time with a dog who knows how to do the right thing. Nicola is a six-month-old German shepherd cross breed puppy who tends to blossom when she is in the company of other confident, well-behaved dogs but is nervous when she is on her own. She is finding life with no home of her own quite difficult.

Nicola needs a home with calm, patient owners who have time to teach her to be less scared of the world. She would benefit if the home already has a well-behaved, well socialised adult dog. Nicola loves lots of fuss and cuddles but she needs to learn how to become more confident. She needs to learn how to enjoy life. Nicola needs her basic obedience training including house training. If you think you may have the special home where this gorgeous puppy can grow up to reach her full potential, do contact West London Dogs Trust on 01895 453

930 or see more details on www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/nicola .

While thinking of animals becoming stressed, we need to remember that the firework season is nearly here. Every year thousands of animals suffer as the result of fireworks being let off. In order to avoid such suffering during this period, if you have any small animals that you normally keep in the garden, see if you can move them into a quiet room indoors or into a suitable shed. Also help them to feel safe by giving them extra bedding in which to burrow.

Importantly, make sure your dog or cat is indoors when fireworks are being let off and that the cat flap, windows and doors are closed to prevent the animal escaping.