We have loads of dogs in our village (I love dogs as well as cats, in fact all types of animals!) and people generally clean up after them. But of course, in a village or any smallish community, people are known, and if anyone let their dog's mess lie on the pavement, they'd soon be told off.

Also, there are numerous fields and paths through small woods, beside the river Wensum and all the lakes and pools, so dogs here get a good run, and even a swim in the summertime.

I'm so pleased that two little cats haunt our bungalow, Sam the Skull and Binky. After Smokey's death, it's rather comforting to give them a stroke and a bit of chicken as a treat. We don't mind if they use our front border as a toilet! It soon breaks down in the soil, and probably feeds our Spring bulbs!

And all the dogs that pass the house with their owners get a pat and some kind words. Even my husband (not used to dogs, as in Africa they can carry rabies, plus Muslims are supposed to avoid dogs!) loves them and knows all their names. He lets them jump up and lick him, he adores it!

I reckon one can have a benevolent attitude to all animals. A bit of poo or a wet tongue never killed anyone!