Councillor Ellen Forson: Politicians and their Pets

The leader of Clackmannanshire Council introduces us to Loki and Maisie.

Breed?

Loki is a short-haired Border Collie and I’ve no idea what breed of cat Maisie is.

Age?

Loki is two years old and Maisie is four years old.

How long have you had them?

We’ve had Loki since he was eight weeks old and Maisie since she was six months old.

Where did you get them?

We got Maisie from a local rescue centre with her sister Faye – who lives with my sister. Alex, my son, convinced me to go and “just have a look at some puppies” on a farm in Eaglesham and the next thing I knew, we were on the way to the pet shop to get everything we needed for the puppy we’d just acquired! 

What can they do?

Loki will do anything for cheese. Maisie does what she wants to, when she wants to do. 

What do you love about them?

Even if you’ve just gone outside for five minutes, when you come back Loki acts like it’s been ages since he’s seen you and gives you a fantastic welcome home. Maisie is just so affectionate – she loves to snuggle into your neck. 

What special talents do they have?

Maisie is a superb hunter and regularly brings home wee gifts! Loki can sense people coming to the house at least ten minutes before they arrive – he’ll go and sit behind the front door waiting to give them that special Loki welcome. 

What’s their best trick?

Loki loves a ride in the car and will honk the horn if I get caught up chatting to folk and keep him waiting too long. Tricks are beneath Maisie! 

What are their most annoying habits?

Loki attacks the vacuum cleaner every time it’s switched on. Maisie continually teases Loki – it’s almost as if she’s reminding him who the boss is. 

What’s the worst thing they’ve done?

During lockdown, I was chairing a community planning meeting on Teams and Maisie brought a bird into the house which escaped and proceeded to fly around my head. You can imagine the result. 

When Loki was about five months old, I learned the hard way that he has a thing for shoes – he got into my wardrobe and chomped his way through 17 of them! 

Do you think of yourself as a pet parent or pet owner?

Hmm… they most definitely own me! 

What’s the most ridiculous thing you have bought or done for your pets?

I got a roof box fitted to my car so that Loki had space to come on holiday with us. 

What’s your first pet or animal-related memory?

When I was a toddler we had three Westies – Sheelagh, Birk and Lass. I just remember being surrounded by them. 

What was the first pet you ever had?

The first pet I truly considered as mine was an Alsatian called Indy. 

What would be your dream pet?

I don’t really have dream pet. I’m quite happy with Loki and Maisie.

If you could be any animal, what would you be?

An Arctic Wolf.