“Alfie’s family cat is called Chessie because she is black and white, like a chessboard.”

“For many years the MacNallys had a cat called Smoky. Everyone was sad when he died, especially Bob. So Maureen gave him a kitten which they called Boots, because he has white paws.”

“Alfie’s very good friend the milkman and his wife have a black and white dog called Jacko.”

“Alfie’s friend Sara has a pet goldfish, Gobbolino, who lives in a little tank of his own.”