EVERY single day of her life Linda Dickinson has walked with the animals and talked with the animals.

But finally East Lancashire's very own Dr Doolittle has decided to say goodbye to her menagerie of pets -- marking the end of a family tradition spanning 64 years.

Linda, 58, will close the doors to her pet shop for the last time next Tuesday when she retires-- taking with her the three last remaining animals Merlin the cat, Billy the dog and Spike the yellow-streaked lory bird.

She said: "My dad started the business 64 years ago so ever since I was born my family has always had the pet shop to open every single day. Animals have always been part of my life. I'm sure I'll wake up most mornings wondering what to do without the shop." Over the years hundreds of pets have passed through Dickinson's Pet Stores in Fleming Square, Blackburn.

Guinea pigs, cats, dogs, rabbits, talking birds, hamsters and fish have all lived happily side by side.

But now Linda's own pets are the only ones left and she readily admits that she wouldn't be without them.

She said: "Spike originally came into the shop to be sold, but we took a real shine to him. We did sell him once, but we regretted it. Then it turned out that his owners couldn't keep him any more so we got him back."

Noisy Spike has entertained customers with his chat over the past 14 years. His catchphrases of "Baby Spike" and "Hello Spike" are favourites with shoppers young and old.

Billy the Springer Spaniel has always gone home with Linda every night, but for Merlin and Spike the shop closing down means moving home as well.

Linda said: "Spike used to go home at weekends with a lovely traffic warden who used to come into the shop, but then he died. Since then he and Merlin have always stayed in the shop together at nights so it will be a big change for them."

The shop is due to close on February 20, but Linda may stay open a few more days to sell off remaining stock and say goodbye to her loyal customers.

She said: "I will really miss everyone -- so many of my customers have become good friends.

"I'm planning to chill out for a bit and then perhaps catch up on the holidays that I have missed out on."

Linda's top five pets

1. Dogs -- you can't beat their companionship.

2. Cats -- they are semi-independent and can fend for themselves.

3. Talking birds -- they are brilliant company and you can teach them yourself.

4. Fish -- these pets are really peaceful and tranquil.

5. Guinea pigs -- the ideal first pet for youngsters.