Politicians and their pets: Cllr Linda Dorward

What are your pets’ names? 

Jack and Rosie. We didn’t name them - if we had it may have been Elvis and Rosa!

What breed are they?

Jack Russell Terriers.

How old are Jack and Rosie?

Jack, who has the tan and white coat, is seven, and Rosie, who has the tan and black coat, is six.

How long have you had them?

Seven wonderful and eventful months.  

Where did you get them?

We adopted them from Dumfries and Galloway Canine Rescue Centre. They do a fantastic job of rehoming dogs in this region.

What can they do?

They are both experts at demolishing treats at will.

What do you love about Jack and Rosie?

Their unconditional positive regard and enthusiastic welcome home, even if you have only been out of the house for ten minutes.

What special talents do they have?

Rosie can ‘sing’ and Jack is an extremely good listener.

What is their best trick?

Their collective ‘vanishing act’ with all things food related.

What are their most annoying habits?

Again, Rosie’s ‘singing’ and Jack loves to be the centre of attention, whatever the situation.

What’s the worst thing Jack and Rosie have done?

Mistaking a pair of expensive prescription glasses for a chew treat – more our fault than theirs, to be fair. 

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

Emotionally a pet parent, legally a pet owner. But they can co-exist. 

Who walks your pet when you’re at council?

I share parenting and walking duties with my wife, Mandy.

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

We made them wear bow ties at Christmas… it didn’t last.

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

As a young child, I was made to have a photo taken with a neighbour’s bad-tempered Pekingese… scary.

What was the first pet you ever had?

Jaffa the goldfish, with occasional shots of the class guinea pig at holiday time when at primary school.

What would be your dream pet?

A pygmy hippo. Cute, but totally impracticable.

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

I have always loved flying and ‘out there’ amusement rides. If I could, as an animal, mimic that ability to swoop and soar, I would be an eagle.