IT'S certainly not a dog's life for a Preston sheepdog who is 'paws-ed' to go walkies to a hairdressing salon for a wash, cut and blow!

Levi, the black and white border collie, will be accompanying its hairdresser owner to the salon to help raise cash for a national animal charity.

Owner Diane Toohill, 55, of Selby Avenue, Ribbleton, who is the visiting stylist at Greenfield nursing and residential home, Tag Lane, Ingol, will be taking her hound to visit customers on Tuesday, September 16.

And, Diane says, the 14-month-old pup loves being shampooed and groomed although runs a mile when it comes to a trim!

"His coat is naturally beautiful and he doesn't really need a trim," said Diane, who also owns five Persian cats. "He's a great dog.

"I asked the manager of Greenlands if he would mind me bringing him in as I was in the process of training him.

"He is a people herder rather than a sheep herder and brings smiles to so many faces."

The 'Take Your Dog to Work' day has been organised by abandoned animal charity The Blue Cross and Levi is expected to be one of hundreds of pets to follow their owner's to work.

"Levi is very popular and this idea is a very good one," said Diane, who is married to Chris and has two daughters.

"We will play games on the day and everybody will come and give him a pat on the head while they get their hair done."

While Greenfield residents were used to their four-legged visitor popping in as a very small pup they are looking forward to Levi's forthcoming visit to see how big he has grown.

Greenfield manager Nick Medway said: "Levi's been coming here since he was a puppy and he is a trained pat dog.

"He is a nice distraction for many of the residents who probably miss not having pets."