For the love of DOGS
TV and radio presenter Gaby Roslin chats about the joy of pets and how to feel fabulous this February
Welcome to February or, as you may remember, the month I like to call FABRUARY. And my advice is think fabulous and be fabulous. I know it’s still cold and dark but I find bright colours always lift my spirits. And, talking of lifting spirits, there’s no doubt that animals can do that too. I know a lot of you have sent in your gorgeous photos to Prima this month for National Love Your Pet Day (see page 38) and it got me thinking about the pets I’ve had in my life.
When I was little we had a Staffordshire bull terrier called Bazooka, who was full of life. Sadly, when I was about 11 years old, he got cancer and was put to sleep. I was terribly upset, so my teacher suggested I write down my memories of him. I wrote how he loved to chase sticks; would pant all the time; and that the curl in his mouth made it look as if he was always smiling. The teacher asked if I could read it aloud and, to this day, I still remember that moment. I want to thank that teacher; he really helped me in coping with my dog’s death.
Eventually, we got a new puppy – my mother couldn’t bear the idea of our home without a dog – a long-haired standard dachshund called Samantha. Oh, how we all loved her. She was very different to Bazooka and, looking back, I don’t think she replaced him in my heart – but having her helped us cope better.
When I owned my first home, I bought my very own dog, a cavalier King Charles spaniel. His name was Chester and he was the kindest, sweetest dog I have ever met. He loved to watch telly and no one believed me until they witnessed it for themselves. One year at Christmas, I was watching
Jurassic Park but had to turn it off before the end – only Chester started barking at the TV and nudged the remote until I switched it back on. Then he stopped barking and settled down to watch again. When the film was over he simply stretched and walked away! Sadly for me, I now don’t have any pets. My husband is highly allergic, especially to dogs. Our daughters love them and say when they have their own homes they’ll each get one, so I can dog sit.
One thing I don’t like about dogs, however, is seeing them dressed up. I’m one of those anti-dogs-incoats lot, which I know not everyone agrees with, but I think a dog has a coat, so why dress it up? I know many people bought dogs in lockdown and I just I hope all those dogs are happy. People don’t always realise that it’s a dog you’re buying, not a puppy! They grow, need walks, food, vets and love.
I love cats, too, but I’m allergic to them. I remember once I was interviewing a woman with her cat and I had the worst sneezing fit ever. It didn’t make for a great interview, but it was funny (although I don’t think the owner found it quite so amusing, so apologies to her). There’s a cat that walks up and down our street and, when I walk past him, he follows me. It’s as if he wants to watch me sneeze so he can giggle at me.
I’ve been told that I have to look them in the eye and then they won’t come close – but that doesn’t seem to work for me! Have a safe and happy Fabruary and look after those pets of yours; I’ll be back next month when we can talk all things spring… Hooray!
‘There’s no doubt animals lift the spirits’