It was a sunny Bank Holiday Monday, and as I was walking down the London's South Bank, a pretty sight caught my eye. A group of children, happy as little Larries, surrounding a dog, doing the usual things that one should never do to a dog like pulling on ears and tail, manic stroking and general doggy interest that any canine companion will curse underneath their breath. And yet, the majestic looking English Bullterrier was taking all these advances with a calm dignified air of a dog that knows a passing fancy or two.
I was not the only one mesmerised by this sight. Many a person stopped by to admire the dog and her possy of tiny admirers. Why? It is perhaps the fierce reputation of a Bullterrier that made passers by stop in their tracks, the preconception that Bullterriers are somehow inherently dangerous, defeated in front of our very eyes.
Holly, who is 10 years-old, did decided to join her owner on the bench, where she trustingly relaxed in his lap with her belly up in the air. Her owner was exceedingly responsible when getting Holly, and made sure that she was well-bred and and well looked after as he was conscious of people who breed Bullterriers only for a financial gain. Holly is deaf, an ailment often attributed to white dogs, as the breeding of white colour attracts genetic impairment. This did not put Robert, Holly's owner, off. He wanted her for what she was, and that is a true love.
If you want to see more lovely London Terriers, please click here.
