Following our two earlier contributions on these year’s theme of St Francis, from Mr George Hill telling us about the livestock on his farm, and the vicar’s very entertaining tale of his trip to London Zoo, we are delighted to welcome Dr John Watson for the next in our series of ‘Animals I have known.’

I suppose I should begin with dogs, because in the early days of my association with Mr Sherlock Holmes I made the acquaintance of Toby, a brown and white half-spaniel and half-lurcher, but an excellent tracker. As, indeed was Pompey, this time a white and tan hound who resembled a cross between a beagle and a foxhound. Other dogs, of course, were less pleasant, as those who have read my story of the Hound of the Baskervilles will no doubt appreciate.

Following this must come horses. In our years in London I came into contact with many horses, and Mr Holmes had on more than one occasion impersonated an ostler. However whenever I think of horses I have known, I almost always begin with the famous horse Silver Blaze of Wessex Cup fame.

Other creatures come to mind too. There are the tigers I saw when on service in India. The animals owned by the very unpleasant Dr Grimesby Roylott. And by contrast Mr Harry Wood’s delightful tame mongoose, Teddy.

Now, however, the animals I am most in contact with are smaller. And in the case of Mr Holmes’ bees, very much smaller. Mr Holmes is responsible for the day-to-day care of the bees, but I, too, am involved, by ensuring that we grow suitable flowers to cater for their needs.

Lastly, I must make mention of our large tabby cat, whom we have named Wordsworth. He arrived as a mouser, and continues in that role, when he is not sleeping in whichever warm spot he has found, or endeavouring to steal whatever Mrs Maiden has left for our supper.

In all of this I must concur with the two previous contributors in saying that without animals our lives would be much less enjoyable.