Mary Ray's dog Levi

My Mum was looking for an all rounder. She'd seen some of my family and liked their style and the way they worked.

My name is Levi, I'm a dark merle, I'm blue and black.. My kennel name is Blue Jeans - thats where the "Levi" comes from. I'm tall and leggy and slim, and Mum's never had a dog like me before.

She says she chose me because I looked a bit special, I looked gorgeous, nice head and the breeder helped her choose me so I'm "just right" for the job.

I'm 3 years old and I now compete in Obedience Class C and I do demonstrations with The Boss, I'm her 2nd dog in her Crufts demo. I have to wear a flashing collar and tie sometimes which is alright, its not too over the top.

I'm definately not laid back, I'm what she calls strong eyed and she says sometimes I'm a bit of a pain to live with because I like to work everything. I suppose I really do like going round in circles around her. I like to do what my mum calls "sheepdogging" but I havent a clue with sheep.

I settled in well when I came to her as a pup but the big boys didnt like me much because I didn't treat them with as much respect as they wanted. I'm a bit neurotic but I really love dancing. I love all the tricks, especially where I put my foot over my face.

She says I'm a strong character,quietly dominant but very sensitive. A funny mixture, Jekyl and Hyde, hard to work out. Mary's my absolutely favourite person even through she says my balance isn't that good.

I love my toys, my balls and raggers, teasing the other dogs with something in my mouth and not leting them have it.But I hate noises,fireworks, movement and noises together really give me a fright. I'm fine when I'm dancing, but I can be really put off my obedience and agility if it's noisy.

My favourite place to chill out is on the settee next to Mary and I love to run with her when she goes out on her special bike. I'm still trying to train her because she doesn't always do what I want her to, she seems to have a mind of her own. Sometimes I call her Mum and sometimes The Boss depending on how serious things are.

I've mostly been well but when I was 6 month old while Mum was at crufts I stayed at home with my auntie and ate a toy. But I didn't tell anyone until my tummy really started to hurt. I hadn't been sick so they were really suprised when they saw it inside me,when the vet x-rayed me and opened me up to take it out. But that sorted it.

I also had Campylobacter which gave me a poorly tummy without anyone knowing what it was. The vet thought it was food intolerance for quite a while. I was OK on the special food he gave me but Mum said I was just not quite right and Mums "always know best". My tummy ache distracted me sometimes so I didnt always listen to her properly and so she wanted to get to the bottom of so to speak. Anyway when they tested my poo they discovered what it is and now I don't have a sore tummy.

I love all sorts of food but my tummy doesnt so I am still food intolerant but what works best for me is a fish and potato diet. I really like Tuna Bake - nothing beats Mum's home cooking.