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We only ever intended to have two dogs at a time and spent years with pairs of compatible boxers. These pairs did not just co-exist and live peacefully together, as some dogs do; they were joined at the hip soul mates, perfect marriages. Not only that, we never really had any trouble because the older dog always guided the younger one in the ways of the Wrighton household.

So how on earth did we end up with three boxers? Well, Tilly came to join Chester and Garbo for two weeks' fostering, but her re-homing didn't work out and she was returned. Chester and Garbo were so thrilled to see her back that we didn't hesitate for long - she stayed. In fact, it wasn't long before we were back to two when Chester died. Although we now had two bitches (which is not a recommended combination), we were muddling along nicely until we had another urgent fostering request from Sue. Murphy arrived at a hectic time, in the middle of major re-plastering work, while we also had a canine lodger - our daughter's young black Labrador, Higgins. Murphy was only five months old and it must have been a terrible shock when Higgins leapt through the kitchen window to sabotage his getting-to-know-Tilly moment.

There were plans for Murphy to be re-homed, but sadly they didn't work out and he curled up in the back of the car with Garbo and Tilly afterwards. So that was that - he had bonded so he stayed and we were back to three dogs. Except that it isn't just three dogs, as Higgins comes to stay regularly. He has been with us for almost a week now and I cannot describe what having four dogs is like, especially when three of them are young. At night, Higgins and Murphy share the kitchen, behind a double barricade (dog gate and door), while Garbo and Tilly come upstairs. Higgins is a phenomenally clever dog and Murphy loves to follow his example. One night last week, Higgins opened the fridge door and the boys devoured a pork pie and a pack of bacon. Realizing that this was rather rich fare, they stole a loaf of bread while I was preparing breakfast, presumably to complete their bacon sandwiches. Higgins goes home tomorrow and my question is this - does Murphy know how to open the fridge door now?

You see, when you have several dogs milling around, you simply can't be everywhere at once. So, when our normal household consists of 3-4 dogs, how could I seriously be worrying about the dog Sue is taking in this week? He is 18 months old and spends all of his time in a cage, as he is too boisterous for his present owner. I want to bring him home to learn about life outside a cage while Sue finds him a lovely family of his own. But I shall resist the temptation to pick up the phone. After all, how easily would Sue be able to find a home for a young boxer who has been shown how to open a fridge door?

Linda Wrighton