A 'racist' mutt has turned over a new leaf thanks to the intervention of a 'dog whisperer'.

Sessy, a cockapoo who lives with her owner Rose in Hounslow , used to snarl and bare her teeth at any person who wasn't white - despite herself having black hair.

Her behaviour proved so embarrassing, Rose eventually turned to a local vet, who explained prejudiced pooches are more common than you might imagine and Sessy's poor manners most likely stemmed from anxiety.

Sessy was referred to a 'dog whisperer', who slowly exposed her to people with different skin colours and instructed each of them to give her calming commands using an authoritative tone.

Her dogged discrimination is now behind her, and she is at harmony with people of all colours and creeds.

Sessy has now seen the error of her ways

Sessy's story was one of the five most bizarre tales of animal antics from across the UK which were highlighted to celebrate the launch of Petplan's 2016 Vet Awards, nominations for which are now open.

Other troubled and troublesome creatures included yoga mat-eating and agoraphobic cats, and a dog with a compulsive eating disorder.

Steve Kirby, a 2015 awards winner, said: "UK vets are increasingly being put through their paces and often having to go to extremes to tend to the unusual and unexpected cases they see coming through their practice doors.

"The cases identified by Petplan serve to shine a light on the unpredictability of the job and the lengths the profession is prepared to go to for the wellbeing of our treasured pets."

To nominate your vet, vet nurse, practice manager or practice support staff for the Petplan Veterinary Awards, visit www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards by January 31.