Latest news with #BatterseaDogsandCatsHome
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Six prime ministers later, Larry the Cat still rules 10 Downing Street; how the ‘Chief Mouser' became a symbol of stability
The world may have seen several British PMs come and go. Yet, one long-standing resident of 10 Downing Street has refused to budge for years. Larry the Cat, holding the official title of 'Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office,' has been a constant presence since 2011, outlasting multiple prime ministers and political upheavals. Born as a stray in 2007, Larry was adopted from London's Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2011 during David Cameron's tenure, according to Firstpost. While initially brought in as a family pet, he quickly acquired his official government position. According to the UK government website, his duties include 'greeting guests to the house, inspecting security defences and testing antique furniture for napping quality.' What makes Larry stand out is his status as a civil servant rather than a personal pet. As David Cameron explained during his final Prime Minister's Questions in 2016, this is why Larry remains at Downing Street regardless of who occupies the office, reports Firstpost. Larry's unofficial account succinctly put it in 2022, 'I live here permanently, politicians are temporary residents'. A post shared by Larry – Chief Mouser of the Cabinet (@larrythecatforpm) Now 18 years old as of January 2025, Larry has served under six prime ministers: David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss (for her brief 45-day tenure), Rishi Sunak, and currently Keir Starmer, who took office in May 2024. Starmer represents Larry's first Labour Prime Minister, as his previous five bosses were all Conservative. Larry's diplomatic relationships have varied. He reportedly favoured former US President Barack Obama but was less welcoming to Donald Trump. During Trump's 2019 UK visit, Firstpost states that Larry famously positioned himself under the president's armoured Cadillac, preventing Trump's departure after meeting with Theresa May. His performance in mouse control has received mixed reviews. The Daily Telegraph reported early in his tenure that Larry displayed 'a distinct lack of killer instinct'. However, he has demonstrated territorial prowess, particularly in his famous rivalry with Palmerston, the Foreign Office cat. Larry has developed a keen sense for media opportunities. Sky News reports that 'he knows exactly where the TV cameras are and where to position himself' to appear in broadcasts during major political events. His photobombing skills and occasional mischief have endeared him to the British public. His popularity extends far beyond Downing Street. During the political turmoil of 2022, Tellyspotting reports that a viral tweet from an unofficial account proclaimed: 'The King has asked me to become Prime Minister because this nonsense has gone on long enough.' This sparked a '#Larry4Leader campaign' promoting platform planks including a 'responsible hiss-cal policy' and 'no lying in No 10 unless it's on a comfy cushion.' In a time of political uncertainty, Larry represents continuity at the heart of the British government. His longevity after outlasting multiple prime ministers, including three in just 45 days, offers a glimpse into the tumultuous nature of politics. While human leaders come and go, Larry's presence reminds us that some institutions endure regardless of electoral outcomes.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queen Camilla Shared the First Photo of Her New Rescue Puppy
A first picture of Queen Camilla with her newest pet has been released by Buckingham Palace ahead of her visit to a dog garden at the Chelsea Flower Show today. The Queen is pictured cuddling puppy Moley, who she revealed earlier this year that she adopted at eight weeks old. 'I've just got a new puppy who's eight weeks old,' Camilla told a member of the public during an outing in Canterbury, southeast England in February this year. She adopted Moley from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home after the death of her beloved Jack Russell terrier Beth last November. The Queen also has Bluebell, another Jack Russell. All three dogs were rescue dogs. Queen Camilla previously described Moley's breed as 'a bit of everything,' adding that she 'looks just like a mole!' In the picture released today, the Queen's affection for her new pet is clear as the pair cuddle on the steps of a garden building. The image was taken by Shona Williams, who is the Queen's country dresser and assistant house manager at her private Wiltshire home Ray Mill. Ms Williams also captured an image of Kate Middleton photographing Camilla at Ray Mill for Country Life magazine in 2022. Members of the royal family will attend the Chelsea Flower Show today, where the King and Queen will visit the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden. The King is Patron of the Royal Horticultural Society after taking over the role from Queen Elizabeth, reflecting the royal family's long-standing support of the organization. This year the RHS has named a rose after the Princess of Wales, called Catherine's Rose. 'As well as supporting the incredible work of The Royal Marsden, Catherine's Rose will raise awareness of how nature and gardening can help to heal,' RHS Director General Clare Matterson said. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
Daily Mirror
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Battersea rescue dogs stage 'cutest pitch invasion ever' in front of thousands of fans
The pet pitch invaders are waiting to find new homes after they unleashed themselves onto the screens of football fans tuned in to an online video game stream Gamers were met with the "cutest pitch invasion ever" after dogs raced onto the field during a live game. While the pooch pitch invasion was a rare sight, it was made all the more bizarre as it happened during an online football match. The eight computer-generated dogs were all avatars of real dogs in need of a new home. The pitch invasion was part of a campaign from Pedigree and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, designed to give rescues a second chance at finding a forever family. Viewers and gamers watched as the flash mob stopped the game of EA Sports FC 25 during a stream on the video platform Twitch. The Battersea furry crew was led by generated Billy, Larry and Teddy. All of the squad have real-life counterparts that are searching for a new home. The move was part of a concentrated effort to get more dogs into forever homes. Twitch gamer Bateson87, real name Jamie Bateson, said: "I've always backed an underdog's comeback—whether it's bringing a player back into the team, supporting them to achieve epic wins in FC, or seeing a rescue dog get a second chance. The underDOGS campaign is such an amazing idea because it reminds us that comebacks are possible for anyone—or any dog—with love, time, and effort." According to new research from Pedigree, younger people are taking a serious step up to adopt pets in need. Gen Z gamers aged between 18 and 30 were found to be unexpected pet owners with 32 per cent adopting a canine companion and 85 per cent saying they would consider it, compared to 70 per cent of non-gaming peers. The survey debunked outdated ideas about who rescue dogs are "right" for with gaming traits like responsibility (59 per cent), patience (55 per cent), commitment (53 per cent), strategy (31 per cent) and problem-solving (25 per cent) also being great for dog ownership. Battersea Dogs & Cats Rehoming Manager Sofia Papaloizou, said: "Owning a dog can be incredibly rewarding but does require a lot of commitment, training and patience – all things that are needed for gaming too. Rescue dogs are incredibly special and it's great to hear that so many gamers are already enjoying the wonderful companionship of a rescue pet. "We hope that this campaign will not only help find a home for the dogs involved but also showcase how unique every rescue dog is and inspire more people to consider adoption when looking to get a pet in the future." Despite the enthusiasm for pet ownership, about 48 per cent of surveyed Gen Zers have adopted a dog with misconceptions about breeds and ages still being prevalent. Both Pedigree and Battersea said they hope to challenge this and hope to show rescue dogs can be as loyal as any pedigree puppy. Pedigree's -Brand Director, Ed Owen, added: 'Everyone loves a comeback story! And we love telling the stories of these 15 dogs looking for a new home. At Pedigree, championing rescue dogs is part of our purpose and our DNA, we've broken new ground with this campaign by creating canine avatars to reach new potential pet parents. Whilst this campaign has a fun side, there is a serious purpose behind it all – we want as many rescue dogs to be rehomed as possible to the right home and to challenge the misconceptions young people have of the sorts of dogs in rescue centres like Battersea." If you are interested in meeting the dogs featured in the campaign who are still looking for a home, click here. Those wanting to see all the incredible pets awaiting homes at Battersea, here. Not a position to adopt right now? To view the donation page for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, visit the link here.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queen Camilla, King Charles III Adopt Puppy After Death of Dog Beth
Originally appeared on E! Online There's a furry new member of the royal family. Queen Camilla and adopted a new dog about four months after the loss of their beloved pup, Beth. "I've just got a new puppy, who is 8 weeks old," Camilla said in a video shared by Daily Mail royal editor Rebecca English on X during an event at Beaney House of Art & Knowledge in Canterbury, Kent, Feb. 25, adding that the dog isn't a particular breed and is rather "a bit of everything." "It's a rescue dog," she shared. "It's called Moley—it looks just like a mole." London-based animal rescue center Battersea Dogs and Cats Home—which Camilla is a patron of—confirmed that the couple adopted Moley from them. "We're pleased to confirm that Battersea has recently rehomed an 8-week-old Jack Russell terrier cross female puppy, called Moley, to our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen," the organization told The Daily Mail. "The Queen has long been a supporter of Battersea's work and has previously rehomed two rescue dogs from our charity." More from E! Online RHOP's Karen Huger Sentenced to One Year in Prison in DUI Case Monica Lewinsky Says Former President Bill Clinton Should've Resigned From Office After Affair Inside Hairstylist Jesus Guerrero's Final Days Before His Death Camilla's exciting update follows the devastating loss of Beth—who was also a Jack Russell terrier that she and Charles adopted together with another terrier named Bluebell in 2011—last fall. "A sad farewell to Beth, The Queen's much-loved companion from @Battersea Dogs and Cats Home," the official royal family Instagram account shared back in November, "who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire." The post included several adorable photos of Beth going on a walk with Camilla, licking Charles' nose and helping the queen unveil a plaque at an official royal engagement. "Thank you for giving Beth the most wonderful life and for always supporting rescue," the Battersea account commented on the announcement. "Rest in peace Beth." Charles and Camilla paid tribute to Beth around the holidays with an ornament on their Christmas tree, which showed the terrier wearing a red bandana while in a seated position. It hung next to an ornament of Bluebell. Keep reading for more updates on the royal family... Prince Harry Reaches Settlement in U.K. Tabloids LawsuitKate Middleton Is in Remission After Finishing Chemotherapy for CancerMeghan Markle's Longtime Dog Guy DiesPrince William Mourns Death of Former Nanny's StepsonMeghan Markle Rejoins Instagram to Reveal New Netflix Show
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Queen Camilla adopts rescue puppy after death of beloved Jack Russell
Queen Camilla has found a new furry friend: an eight-week-old rescue puppy named Moley. It comes a few months after the death of her beloved Jack Russell terrier, Beth, in 2024. Camilla shared the news of her new canine companion while in Canterbury, at an event honouring the life of Aphra Behn, the city's celebrated literary figure from the 17th century. Behn, renowned for her plays, novels, and poems, was a star in her era. The Queen unveiled a statue of the writer outside the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, a combined library, museum, and gallery. During her visit, Camilla met with local groups and encountered Fergie, a golden retriever guide dog. Fergie's owner, Susan Mason, 66, from Herne Bay, Kent, was participating in a "sensing culture" class. Camilla couldn't resist giving Fergie a belly rub. "I've just got a new puppy who's eight weeks old," Camilla told Ms Mason. When asked what breed the puppy was, Camilla replied: 'You may well ask. A bit of everything. It's a rescue dog.' She added: 'It's called Moley – looks just like a mole.' Buckingham Palace posted the news of the death of the Queen's dog on social media last November alongside a montage of images of the royal pet, with the message describing the joy the animal brought to Camilla. The post read: 'A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen's much-loved companion from @Battersea_Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire.' Beth, a Jack Russell terrier, was adopted by Camilla from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, just like the Queen's other rescue dog Bluebell. The two dogs were so loved by Camilla that they even featured on the Queen's coronation gown, with goldwork motifs of the pair embroidered onto the historic dress which Camilla wore to be crowned. It is understood the new puppy Moley is also from Battersea, the famous animal rescue centre in south London Camilla supports as patron. It could well be small in stature like a Jack Russell, known for their big personalities.
