Ernie at five weeks decided mother’s milk needed supplementing and set off to find extra portions. Sadly for him he picked the wrong companion to share a meal. A lean mean terrier who took great exception to this thief.

Ernie received such a mauling that the breeder took him to O’Gorman, Slater and Main veterinary surgeons in Newbury to be put down, but partners Julian Slater and Peter Eastwick-Fields decided to try and save Ernie at their own expense. Ernie underwent extensive surgery including the removal of his right eye, and his jaw had to be wired into position. The teeth on the upper jaw of the right side had to be removed and because of extensive nerve damage the adult teeth have not now grown. The cost of this work today would be in the region of £500. Sarah Williams, Kbis office manager was looking for a puppy at the time of the accident; her friend the equine secretary at the vets told her about Ernie needing a good home.

Ernie now eleven, has not allowed his experiences to prevent him from being a buoyant character with a permanent leery grin. He joins Sarah at work, who says: "He is still a thief and a dustbin, and runs off with the loo rolls if we do not keep the door shut. On one occasion he drank a visitors cup of tea, which had been placed on the floor; and then picked up the cup by the handle and took it to the kitchen."

Ernie still requires treatment and recently underwent surgery to remove the remaining wires holding his jaw.

Ironically and typically Ernie the black Labrador featured in the disaster section has been the first claimant under the new Kbis Pet Insurance. Martha, the claims manager, was playing with Ernie under her desk when she noticed he had a lump on his tongue.