PINING pooches can now find the perfect partner thanks to a new dog-dating agency.

For the prayers of lovelorn labradors and desperate dalmations have been answered by Canine Companions.

The unique free service - the first of its kind in the country - will even check out the pedigree of four-legged lovers to make sure they are made for each other.

The canine canoodlings have come true thanks to Kevin Horkin - the dog world's answer to Cilla Black, who launches his new venture at the Manchester Championship Dog Show, appropriately on Valentine's Day.

But Kevin, who also runs Petcentric in Accrington - the country's first pet clothing and accessory shop - was quick to point out that it wasn't for hounds after a bit of 'ruff.'

He said: "There is a serious side to this, it is more of a mating agency and less of a dating one. It's not aimed at the experienced breeder, but the person who maybe wants a litter of puppies from their own dog and doesn't know how to go about it."

Kevin has enlisted the help of Our Dogs weekly newspaper with its comprehensive database. The idea is that owners looking for a mate for their pet can ring up and find a suitable companion.

Kevin, whose canine capers have featured on the BBC's Clothes Show, added: "I know there are lots of animals out there who are desperate for love and affection. But we all know it's not always easy to find the right partner - until now that is."

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