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The pedigree chums

Diane Leach
10/ 5/2008

NO, WE are not horsing around and your eyes aren’t deceiving you – Caleb the dog really is bigger than a pony.

Shoppers were forced into a double take at the weekend when the friendly Leonberger was paired with Casper the pony at an RSPCA fundraiser.

The cuddly pair were a big hit when they joined forces to raise cash for the RSPCA centre in Redcross Street at Tesco in Sudden to mark RSPCA Week.

Casper, who starred in the Christmas pantomime at the Gracie Fields Theatre, is 27 inches to the shoulder – but his new pal Caleb stands three inches taller.

Tracey Taylor, who rescued Casper from the slaughterhouse and is a big supporter of the RSPCA, was thrilled to introduce him to Caleb, who helps his owners to collect cash for the Rochdale branch of the Samaritans and children visiting from Chernobyl.

She said: "Caleb is bigger than Casper by more than a couple of inches.

"It was funny to see them together because Casper is a tiny pony and Caleb is such a big dog.

"Caleb was looking at him as though thinking: ‘You’re not a dog, what are you?’"

"Casper is a cross between a miniature shetland pony and the smallest breed of horse in the world.

"When they are born they are so small they are like puppies."

She added: "People were bringing him carrots and apples and he enjoyed being made a fuss of.

"A lot of people recognised him from the Christmas pantomime."

John and Jackie McKay, Caleb’s owners, said: "It was the first time Caleb had seen a pony, but they got on fine.

"Lots of people like Caleb and he enjoys all the fuss.

"They made a great team and it all added up to money in the tin."

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the collection at Tesco raised £1,200 and with a collection at Morrisons in Heywood, the amount raised for the centre was £3,000.