Its nearlly Christmas, which means its time to do what I hate most, Christmas shopping. Which makes me realise its almost two years since we aquired the loony dog we have called Sam. One Sunday two years ago we were on our way home from Christmas shopping when I saw a cute, gorgeous little pup risking its life running round traffic waiting at the lights. I lept from the car and rushed off to rescue this poor forlorn creature.

Let this be a warning to all you people out there, don't do it. Don't rescue some stray you find in the street, be it a dog or anything else for that matter.

Sam came into our home and quite literally took over. He's been stealing things on a daily basis for two years now. From food to fivers, slippers to Jimmy Choo's (well, Shoe Express really). No stone gets left unturned in his quest for something to nick. He regularly rummages in my handbag and can spot a packet of chewing gum from 50 paces. He terrorises the neighbourhood when he manages to occasionally escape. Kids abandon their bikes in the street and run, shunned by our neighbours he's left us friendless.

Despite it all, if I turned back the clock and saw that little cutsie pup on that cold December day, would I turn my back and walk away? Naah, we all love him really. Remember a dog is for life an all that.

Oi Sam, leave those cakes alone.