‘My ex thinks he’s a dog- I still take him for walkies!’

When Rachael Watson's ex-fiance confessed he loved dressing up as a Dalmatian, he was well and truly in the dog house...

Like any energetic pup, Spot the Dalmatian loves walkies, playing fetch and having his belly rubbed- but he's not your average pet.

It might sound barking mad, but Spot is actually 5ft 9 muscly lighting technician Tom Peters, 32, whose dog fetish contributed to the break-up of his six-year relationship with ex-fiancee Rachael Watson, 30.

The pair still remained friends and, despite her reservations, Rachael now supports Tom- and occasionally takes him for walks.

Single Rachael says: "When Tom told me he liked dressing up as a dog I was shocked. I tried to be supportive but when he began going on public dog walks with other human pups I reached the end of my tether. I was scared how other people would react, and it contributed to our split.

"Now, Tom's so confident as Spot that I like seeing him so happy. Occasionally I rub his belly and give him chocolate buttons as a treat. People always assume 'pup play' is sexual, but it's not."

Tom- who's spent over £3,000 on dog gear and is now in an intimate open relationship with his 'handler' Colin, says: "Dressing up as a dog is a form of escapism. I'm very shy but when I'm Spot I get so much attention- and genuinely feel like a dog. I love having my belly rubbed or being told I'm a good boy."

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