By The Landlord
The Song Bar is, of course, a pet-friendly pub. Why? Because animals are an important part our lives. I'm not going to get sentimental or silly about them. They aren't human, but they are just as important. They are perfectly evolved, and beautiful. And here at The Song Bar you can also enjoy them. So bring along your dog, cat, or whatever you like. Post pictures below. Share stories. Share in the vitality. No matter what kind of terrible day I'm having my cat always makes me smile.
String theory? Throw me the ball. Cato in action. Photograph: PK
At home there are two cats. Cato and his mum, Alma. He is spelled like Cato the ancient Roman orator, but is pronounced like the sidekick on the Pick Panther films (Kayto), partly because he jumps out at who from behind the door when you're not expecting it ("Not now, Cato!"). Cato is almost 4ft long from nose to tail. He might be a bit of Siberian or Norwegian Tree Cat. But he thinks he is a dog. He fetches a ball. And to wake you up in the morning for breakfast, one of his many tricks is to draw the bedroom curtains open. Cato is afraid of no cat, except his mum who is a smaller version of him. Even though he is very fast and strong, she is just a bit faster, and even sneakier than him. Alma is the pocket rocket.
I've always been obsessed with animals. I could look at them all day long. One of my formative experiences is watching an elephant doing a massive piss and an mountainous poo at Chester Zoo. I couldn't believe my eyes. I was so impressed. Later, in the enclosure, with his warm, rubbery trunk, the same elephant hoovered up some nuts from my tiny, sweaty hand.
Who can fail to be moved by an elephant? Photograph: Diana Robinson
I think huskies are probably the most attractive of all dog species. I first met one that belonged to my Czech uncle in Canada when I was just 10. He was called Kazan and was absolutely massive. Kazan took you for a walk, not vice versa. A few years ago, on a holiday trip to Iceland, I went to see a big pack of huskies who pulled sledges for a living across a glacier. They were well looked after and took breaks. During their rest period, one of them started to howl. Then gradually the rest joined in and together they created this extraordinary sound, a strange, eerie primeval music, filling the frozen air and the white landscape, with harmonies more strange, complex and timeless than those of Bulgarian throat singers.
But if I were to get a dog, I think I would get an Airedale. I just like the look of them. The long, sensitive faces, and the long-leggy furry trousers. They are also supposed to be passionate, loyal and very bright. That's a good start. But this is where I'll end going on and on about animals. The point of this is for you, dear visitors, to bring your own pets to the pub for everyone to enjoy, or just any animal you like. It makes us happy. It brings us calm. Just click on the picture icon below you comment box and upload.
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