Paws here: Boris, Rishi, Israel Guide Dogs, leaving your dogs when you’re away and a new place to get them groomed
Rocco can't believe there's another four-legged occupant at Number 10
Brigit Grant is the Jewish News Supplements Editor
The Judge has been filming in Israel and left me at home. Location shooting has been off the table since I attacked a fluffy boom mic, but no matter. I’ve made use of the time and got into politics. How could I not, when an interminable game of musical chairs at Westminster culminated with a canine first. A dog who previously lived at Number 11 Downing Street moved into Number 10. Trust me when I tell you that hounds were howling across the country and I almost got off the sofa.
Nova Sunak, a rather striking Labrador retriever, set the barking bar for the four-legged by moving from one bijou circa 1682 property to another with his master – Rishi, the new PM. I just wish Nova and I were better acquainted. Only then would I get an invite to roam, pee and chase forgotten cocktail sticks in the SW1A garden where that cheese and wine party was held.
Unfortunately, Nova’s pup pal, Dilyn, a rescue Jack Russell-cross, isn’t around to show her where the bones are buried as he vacated with the previous tenants, Boris and Carrie Johnson. There’s Larry of course, whose looks belie his age (15), but like all cats, the Downing Street veteran still wants to be chased for intel, and who can be bothered? Certainly not me. Entitled cats are painful, though not as painful as the dog who sunk his teeth into Penny Mordaunt’s fingers as she posted campaign leaflets in 2019. If Penny had made it to PM, her Belgian Malinois, Carla, would now be chasing Larry around No 10, but I knew it wouldn’t happen because of the shoes. I’ve told you about my penchant for good footwear and Penny’s block mid-heels could never lift her to those dizzy heights. Now that Christian Louboutin is making heels for men, aspiring ministers should consider getting a pair. Who knows where three inches could take Sir Keir Starmer? It was Sir Keir who referred to Boris Johnson’s cabinet as a “Z list cast of nodding dogs”, which is not only unfair to dogs, but to the likes of kinder MPs. Like Grant Shapps for example, who welcomed a Ukrainian refugee family and their dog, Max, into his home back in April. Now that the Right Honourable gentleman is Business Secretary, he could take a look at the rising cost of dog food. I’ll be the first to call him pedigree chum.
In anticipation,
Rocco Rinder
Meet Man’s Best Friend
There is nothing like the loving relationship between a guide dog and its owner. To rely on an animal for invaluable assistance in everyday life. Witnessing this first-hand is a privilege being offered by the UK arm of the Israel Guide Dog Centre when it brings IDF veteran Benzi, and his PTSD Service dog, Lugo to its annual reception on 11 November. This is the first time a veteran has travelled to the UK with his service dog, and he will be accompanied by Yariv Melamed, Head of Service Dogs training at the Israel Guide Dog Centre.
The charity wants the welcome at the north west London venue to one they won’t forget. And you won’t either. There’s a surprise guest too at the event, but act fast as numbers are limited.
Email annualreception@israelguidedog.org.uk or martin@israelguidedog.org.uk
Home not alone
Chrismakah is but weeks away, and a holiday may be on your agenda. Unless you are taking your pets to sunnier climbs, they need looking after by the right kind of people. Trusted Housesitters can provide those people and even at short notice if you’re lucky. Founded by animal lovers, the company provides verified sitters with references to stay in your home with your animals. No more packing them off to kennels or reluctant friends. Just sign up and scroll through a list of pet lovers who enjoy living in different parts of the UK or the world for short or extended periods. You’ll feel safe and so will your fur babies.
Visit trustedhousesitters.com or call 08081 785384
Salon Space Seeker
The increase in dog ownership has been good for groomers, but the competition to attract furry clients is fierce. So imagine the joy of setting up shop at a salon where the clients are just waiting to be seen. Waggingtons, the all-encompassing doggy day care centre, is looking for an ambitious dog groomer who would like to rent the salon within its premises. The salon has been equipped with top quality equipment (including high-end table, blaster and professional dryer) and it is ideally situated in a private lane in the heart of Mill Hill. Given the high volume of dogs that arrive at Waggingtons every day, the groomer will have complete access to a very long list of new and existing clients. If that expert groomer is you, contact Tracie for more details.
Call 020 8906 4905 or 07869 153093
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