East Anglian firm Dawbarns Pearson was left holding the pooch earlier this month when a ten-year-old mongrel called Treacle was dumped at its King's Lynn office, complete with bowl, two toys and a bag of food.

The firm had acted in the early stages of the probate of an elderly gentleman's estate. But the deceased had left no provision for his best friend in his will and the plans made for the dog's care by the executor fell through.


Obiter is pleased to learn that the story had a happy ending. After spending two days at the office, Treacle has been adopted by the family of one of the firm's secretaries.


Partner Richard Barr said: 'To start off with she was a bit bewildered by it all, but quickly settled down and won the hearts of the staff.' Aaah. 'If she'd been here longer she would have been given a fee-earner's number and a billable hours target,' he quipped.


Perhaps when multi-disciplinary practices are permitted, the firm could save money by employing dogs instead of lawyers or diversify into the area of canine services - something that even Sir David Clementi may not have considered.