Meet Sonny — a cracking Christmas present who had to live undercover during his early years

This clever little 15-year-old crossbreed belongs to Catherine Booth from Farnworth.

“We bought him from Stonehouse Farm in Worsley. I’d been pestering my husband, Andy, for ages to get a puppy, but we only rent our house and pets aren’t allowed,” said the 36-year-old home care worker.

“We initially went to view some Chihuahuas crossed with Jack Russell puppies, but when we got there, little Sonny was in the next kennel and it was love at first sight. We bought him home in November last year. He was the best Christmas present ever.

“He’s very sociable. He’s brought so much love and happiness into our lives.

Sonny loves his walks, with his favourite haunt being Southport, where he likes chasing seagulls and digging in the sand.

But what of the issue with the rented house?

Catherine added: “We hid him for ages, then fibbed and said we were dog sitting him! Then eventually admitted he lived here. Our landlord met him and absolutely loved him. He was absolutely fine.”