THIS week I’m sharing pictures of the five dog finalists in the Crufts 2014 dog hero competition. They are Jessie, Radley, Molls, Velvet and Molly and all help their owners in important ways.

Cocker spaniel Molls, who is pictured with her owner, Steven Courtney, 11, alerts Steven to his hypo and hyperglycemia condition.

Fellow spaniel Molly helps to give confidence to her owner Lucy Watts, who is in a wheelchair. It will be a tough task to chose the top dog.

Hope you have a very happy birthday to: Charlie Harrison, nine on March 8, Skye Amber Greaney, 12 on March 9, Samuel Josef Bown, six on March 9, Mia Young, nine on March 11, Olivia Treadwell, 12 on March 11, Milo Pettit, six on March 12, Beth Rod, seven on March 13, Daniel Simon, 11 on March 12, Chanelle Star Williams, six on March 14.

Joketime

What animal keeps the best time?

A watch dog.

What type of markets do dogs avoid?

Flea markets.

When is a black dog not a black dog?

When it’s a greyhound.