There has been good coverage on the topic of dogs this week - one web site named Bodog has had a veritable mare with their URL being snaffled and no doubt losing a packet in the process.

Meanwhile the New York hotelier and real estate billionaire Leona Helmsley left £5.97m or over 15m tins of pedigree chum to her pet dog, Trouble. The pampered pooch received the largest bequest from Mrs Helmsley's will.

The will also says that when Trouble dies, she is to be buried alongside Mrs Helmsley, who died last week, and her late husband in their mausoleum

The money for Trouble's upkeep was left in the hands of her brother, Alvin Rosenthal, who himself inherited $10m.

In stark contrast to a new UK service which aims to combat the growing number of pets left uncared for when their owner dies which was launched today by the RSPCA.

Research by the animal charity suggests that more than 3,200 pet owners in Greater Manchester die each year without making arrangements for their animals.

The free Home for Life service, set up by the RSPCA, aims to ensure that all pets have their future safeguarded by encouraging people to add a clause to their will instructing that care of their pet is handed over to the RSPCA when they die.

Kathy Kay, the Bolton RSPCA branch administrator said: "We do have a problem in Bolton with animals left alone once their owners pass away and under these circumstances we would step in and make sure the animal is cared for."

It is possible Trouble may be able to get along without the RSPCA's help at least for the near future.