We're a nation of pet lovers, and since the pandemic that has only increased as we spend more time at home with our furry and feathered friends.

In the fourth of our Me and My Pet series, Leeds Castle Foundation chief executive Helen Bonser-Wilton introduces us to her cocker spaniel puppy Orla.

Orla, a working cocker spaniel is 15 months old...

She came from Brookbelle Kennels in Sutton Valence. I love her huge sense of mischief. From waking up to going to sleep she is constantly looking to cause trouble!

My favourite thing that Orla does is...

She parades each morning with her collection of soft toys, expecting them all to be admired.

The naughtiest and most unique things she does are...

She is a massive food thief and will leap up on any surface in search of fish, meat and cheese.

Sometimes she takes a nap on the dining room table. She also falls asleep in odd yoga-like poses.

Life is better with Orla because...

There is literally nothing in the world better than having a dog welcome you home and cuddle up on your lap.

The advice I would give anyone getting a pet like mine is...

Working cockers are incredibly energetic and need at least two hours walks a day. And it is equally important to keep their intelligent brains busy, so they need lots of training, brain games and mental challenges. Not a dog to take on without a lot of thought!

Read last week's column featuring kmfm's Garry Wilson and his rescue chickens here.

For days out across Kent click here.