For many years Putin’s dog, the black Labrador Koni, was the first dog in Russia and a familiar name in international politics. Since last year Russian President Medvedev’s dogs are gaining popularity with Russian mass media and people.
Putin’s Dog
Koni (her full name is Connie Paulgrave) often made headlines for her active participation in Putin’s official meetings as a symbol of friendship.
A journalist story says that German Prime Minister Angela Merkel was initially a little afraid of Koni sniffing her and sitting at her feet. She expressed hope that Putin’s dog “doesn’t eat journalists, after all”. Putin himself is quoted to say that Koni “gives him good advice” when he is in a bad mood.
Another story about Putin’s dog describes an informal meeting of Russian ruling party bosses at Putin’s residence. While Putin was discussing with them the possible ways to help Russian food industry, Koni gobbled up almost all snacks prepared for this meeting, just like in a story about Baryshnikov and the Samoyeds.
Koni’s pups were always in super-high demand with Russian celebrities. Even some regional governors are proud to have “grandkids” of Putin’s dog.
When Russia has adapted its new satellite global positioning system GLONASS to monitor cattle and wild animals Koni became the first animal to test it. “She looks sad,” Putin’s friend and deputy Ivanov commented. “Her free life is over.”
Medvedev’s Dogs
Russian President Medvedev’s pack of dogs consists of Central Asian Ovcharka, two English Setters (brother and sister – Daniel and Jolie), and Golden Retriever, Aldo.
Medvedev was not known as a dog lover before he entered his office, but he gladly followed Putin’s example making dogs an important part of his image. In his official blog Medvedev writes: “A dog waits obediently to be fed. She is fed by her powerful master, and she is thankful. Sometimes she is not fed, but she is thankful nonetheless.”
Last year three of Medvedev’s dogs were presented to the public at Russia’s largest dog show Eurasia. The English Setters, Jolie and Daniel, were titled the best juniors, while the Golden Retriever, Aldo, became second among this breed’s juniors.
Medvedev didn’t attend the show in person but was reported to become happy with his dogs’ achievements.
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