Barking Blondes:Dogs in Politics
We are all familiar with the image of a campaigning, grinning, politican holding a baby but is the act of humanity quite so strong if the same MP is clutching a dog?
With a general election on the horizon we wonder if a dog owners vote can be swayed by a strategically placed mutt?
The two of us are a soft touch. A politician with a dog by his side immediately draws our attention….whatever party line is in tow….. maybe foolishly we are fed the impression that they can be trusted –they’re a like-minded person that has opened their heart to the love of a dog. It surely means they’re in the doggy ‘club’ and sets them apart from those who are not?
Call us deluded…but it works every time.
During the London mayoral elections it was a common sight to see Ken Livingston and Boris canvassing with their pooches.
Was that a strategy or just a convenient way of walking the family pet?
At this year’s Westminster Dog Show, organized by The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, Britain’s hound owning MPs competed for the coveted Best In Show title. Conscious to spread the word about dog welfare and responsible ownership, there’s still an air of competition, but the main objective is enjoying a day out on the lawns in front of Parliamnet.
The Dewbury MP, Simon Reevell, joined us on our radio show having scooped the public vote. Over the moon, he enthused about Cosmo his wire-haired fox terrier puppy, who, at only eight months, was the only Yorkshire contender for the coveted title.
Compared to the White House, No: 10 doesn’t have quite the same dog-friendly track record. Churchill lived there with his poodles but now the only four legged creature in residency is the much talked about cat.
We were on the phone to book the former Australian prime minister, Julia Guillard , the moment she took office, to talk with her about her bulldog!
Over 26 American Presidents have owned dogs including Obama whose Portugese Water Dog, Bo, follows in the tradition of presidential mutts owned by Roosevelt, Kennedy and Nixon.
Nixon’s famous ‘Checkers’ speech that won him the vote in 1952 tugged on the nation’s heart-strings. ‘Checkers’ was his beloved black and white Cocker Spaniel.
What did these leaders know that most of our lot are yet to realize?
Paw Power!
With 27% of all British households owning a dog, maybe the way to get us to turn out to vote is through man’s best friend?
And let’s face it how much more entertaining would it be to notice a dog kennel behind every reporter doing the obligatory pieces to camera, outside Downing Street!
Barking Blondes by Jo Good & Anna Webb, published by Hamlyn, £12.99www.octopusbooks.co.uk
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