Shetland pony thinks he's a dog

Rory and Millie share a meal

Rory is a Shetland pony who likes to fetch sticks and roll on his back to have his tummy tickled. He also befriended by a pair of Labrador Retrievers at the Essex Horse and Pony Sanctuary in Pitsea back in 2007.

Rory was rejected by his mother after he was born. After arriving at the sanctuary he became ill and was nursed in the office. He attracted the interest of labradors Alfie and Millie.

"Rory would be lying in my lap with his little hooves sticking out and Alfie would come up and wash them,' said owner Sue Allery, who looked after the animals. Allery said: "In 18 years I've never seen anything like it. When vets visit us they can't believe it either."

"And when he was left with a white moustache after drinking milk, Alfie would clean that too.

Despite all that, Rory ended up being closer to Millie because she is nearer to his size.