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A WOMAN I thought was a friend moans about my dogs behind my back.

I have three bichons who I adore. If I see her in the street, she pets them and says they’re lovely.

But apparently she tells the neighbours that their barking drives her mad.

The irony is that it’s her schnauzer that sets them off!

Every time he starts barking in her garden, mine join in.

I’m tempted to have a big row with her.

How dare she gossip when I’m a fantastic neighbour? I’ve been brilliant to her over the years, taking in food when her husband was dying and letting her son park on my drive.

It’s the hypocrisy I can’t stomach. I feel angry and insulted. JANE SAYS: There’s nothing to be gained from falling out with your neighbour.

She’s allowed to be annoyed if your dogs are noisy. I’ve got a bichon and I’m the first to admit that they can be lively when provoked.

I understand that your pooches are your world and you’re protective of them, but surely this can be sorted out in a calm, adult manner.

Approach her and find out what sets her dog off. Is it foxes, cats, or other dogs? See if you can come to a solution.

We live in a noisy world and she can’t expect to live in total silence – that’s unrealistic.

I get so many letters from people who are feuding with their neighbours and, believe me, you really don’t want that.