Little and large

We have had Pippa since she was a puppy. We rescued Kyla when Pippa was six months old.

The first day they met each other, Pippa ran to my feet and growled at Kyla, she wasn't happy. Kyla, a huge Bullmastiff, looked confused as to why this little Shi Tzu didn't want to play!

Kyla and Pippa have been through a few ups and downs. After a few weeks Kyla was slowly starting to settle into her new home, but Pippa was becoming increasingly jealous. Every time Kyla went somewhere Pippa raced past her to get there first.

On one particular occasion, this ended in a bit of nightmare. Kyla followed me upstairs and Pippa wanted to get there first. I am not sure how it happed but Kyla accidentally knocked Pippa as she was trying to get past. Pippa tumbled down the steep stairs and my heart sank as I saw her lying on her back.

I ran down after her and as I picked her up she seemed to come to life, thank goodness I thought. She was a little concussed for the rest of the day, but she soon became well again.

Moving on to the ups, there have definitely been more of these than downs. The two are inseparable now; they eat, sleep and walk together. Kyla has taught Pippa many tricks. She has learnt to copy Kyla and give her paw when she really wants a treat. It is so cute to watch Pippa follow Kyla round the fields like a lost puppy. They are both wonderful and I love them to bits.

Kimberley Stott, Bullmastiff and Shi Tzu owner.