Shift work: The pups had to be fed in turn, to make sure that all of them received enough milk to survive

This rural scene in Shropshire is like something out of a painting by Turner or Constable, but suddenly it erupts into chaos more reminiscent of the Keystone Kops. Around the corner of a barn appear 16 frisky Dalmatian puppies, tumbling and scampering in every direction as they are pursued by their mother. All belong to 21-year-old Becky Elvins, a trainee teacher who says a classroom of children is nothing compared to this lot.