Politicians and their pets: Andrew Bowie

What is your pet’s name? 

Winston.

What breed is he? 

Liver spotted Dalmatian.

How old is he? 

One and a half.

How long have you had Winston?

Since he was a puppy.

Where did you get him? 

A breeder in Fife.

What can he do? 

Nothing I tell him. Sometimes “sit” and going round in circles. 

What do you love about Winston? 

Everything. Absolutely everything. I love that when I leave to go to the shops he will stand and look out of the window for me to return, and when I turn the corner he is still at the window, waiting for me to come back.

What special talents does he have? 

None.

What’s his best trick? 

Sitting.

What are his most annoying habits? 

Trying to steal my breakfast, lunch and dinner right out of my hand.

What’s the worst thing he has done? 

Ruined the front room carpet by trying to bury a bone in the floor.

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

A pet owner, because I am an actual parent.

Who walks your Winston when you’re at parliament?

My wife, Mrs B.

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

Rudolph antlers, which he hates wearing and always tries to take off. 

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

Dropping my sister’s guinea pig and causing it to have a heart attack when I was quite young.

What was the first pet you ever had? 

Fred the goldfish.

What would be your dream pet?

Winston the Dalmatian.

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

Definitely a dog. Probably a Dalmatian.