BOXING Day became boxer day in one Hampshire household as these four pooches got into the festive spirit.

Dressed in their colourful hats, capes and tinsel, they look the epitome of festive cheer – and they have not been the only pets enjoying Christmas this year.

Animal lovers across Southampton and Hampshire have been adorning their pets with costumes to include them in the spirit of Christmas.

Lorraine Finch’s four boxers were not only dressed for the occasion, but they also opened their own presents.

Eleven-year-old Louis, ten-year-old Tess, 12-year-old Heidi and six-yearold Ralf all enjoyed unwrapping gifts including toys and tasty treats.

Lorraine, from Athelstan Road in Bitterne, has been rehoming boxer dogs for the past seven years, with all of her current brood apart from Heidi being rescue dogs.

She said: “They got a little bit excited – boxers are quite exuberant animals and they know when something is going on.

“They like presents too, they enjoy unwrapping and opening them.”

And Christmas isn’t the only time of year when Lorraine’s pooches find themselves donning fancy dress.

She added: “They get dressed up on every occasion, like Valentine’s Day and Hallowe’en.

“They’re so good, they’re very patient and just sit there as you dress them.”

How to enter

IF you have a model moggie at home or a party-loving parrot, send in a photograph, along with your name, address and contact number, to picdesk@dailyecho.co.uk.

Alternatively post it to Picture Desk, Daily Echo, Test Lane, Redbridge, Southampton, SO16 9JX. The winner will receive a bag of pet goodies. Normal Echo rules apply, for a complete set of
rules visit dailyecho.co.uk and click on “Promotions & Competitions”.