Bill Munnoch and his wife Maureen got their shih tzu puppy Hamish six weeks ago after their bearded collie died.

But, when Bill discovered he needed an operation, the couple feared they would have to give Hamish up as there would be no-one to look after him.

Then, when they heard Barack Obama mention in his victory speech that he would be buying a puppy for his two young daughters once the family move into the White House, it seemed like the perfect solution.

Bill (67) said: "I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I e-mailed his office to tell them.

"I said they'd have to come and collect him, and also asked that they kept his name, but never thought any more about it."

Then, three days later, Bill received a phone call.

He said: "The woman thanked me for my kind offer, but said that the family would probably get a dog in the United States.

"I was absolutely gobsmacked!

"I said that, if he ever visits Scotland, he is more than welcome to come in and visit us and Hamish."

Happily, Bill is going to be able to keep Hamish, as his brother has offered to dog–sit while he's in hospital.