Many say that dogs are a man’s best friend. However, this is an understatement, as there are many people who have a truly unique connection with their dog, or animals in general. Here are 12 human/dog relationships you probably knew about, but if you didn’t, here they are:
Paris Hilton and Tinkerbell
Tinkerbell is a female Chihuahua, best known as Paris Hilton’s accessory pup. This dog can often spotted with Hilton at social functions or events, peeking out from Paris’ handbag that she’s kept in. Tinkerbell made international news when she went missing on August 12, 2004, during which a reward of $5,000 was offered to whoever found her. She eventually returned after six days.
Francis Barraud and Nipper
British artist Francis Barraud sold a painting that was called His Master’s Voice to the Gramophone company. It happened to include his dog, Nipper listening to a gramophone (cool, right?). The company adopted the picture as its trademark, later changing its company name to “His Master’s Voice”. Clever!
Dr. Eisaburo Ueno and Hachiko
Hachiko was an Akita dog that belonged to Dr. Ueno, who was a professor of agriculture in Tokyo University the 20’s. Hachiko followed him every day from his home to the Shibuya railway station, and would wait for him until he came back from the University. In 1925, the professor perished due to a major stroke, and never came home. It is said that this dog waited his owner for the following nine years at the same railway station.
Adolf Hitler and Blondi
In 1941, Blondi, a German Shepherd, was given to Adolf Hitler by Martin Bormann. Due to an elaborate connection with Blondi, Hitler was credited as an animal lover, making it a significant part of Nazi propaganda. Blondi accompanied Hitler during his move to the underground bunker, and was chosen to be a guinea pig to assess poison capsules.
George Bush and Millie
Millie was a Springer Spaniel of George H. W. Bush, and to this day is considered to be the most adorable dog to ever live in the White House. At the age of 12, sweet Millie died of pneumonia in 1997. Following her death, a dog park in Houston was named after her.
John Gray and Greyfriars Bobby
John Gray, a night watchman in Edinburgh, had a Skye Terrier name Greyfriars Bobby. After the Gray’s death in 1858, Bobby spent a whopping 14 years sitting on his grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Bobby later died in 1872, and he was buried inside the same graveyard of his master. Eleanor Atkinson’s novel “Grefriar’s Bobby” as well as in a movie “The Adventures of Greyfriars Bobby” are both tributes to the amazing friendship these two shared.
Paul McCartney and Martha
Paul McCartney bought his sheepdog puppy soon after the purchase of his new house in 1965. Originally named after the famous song “Martha My Dear” by The Beatles, this dog posed as a “wind of change” in Paul’s life at the time.
Bill Clinton and Buddy
Clinton got his Labrador Retriever in December 1997 when he was just a three month old puppy. Buddy had an intense conflict with Clinton’s cat, Socks, and consequently, both were kept in separate rooms. Buddy was unfortunately killed by a car while chasing it playfully.
Graham Snell and Heidi
One of the saddest human/dog stories to ever be told. At 65 years old, Mr. Snell was hiking through the hills of Altnaharra. Unfortunately, he had slipped to an instant death in the wilderness of mountains he was hiking in. Heidi, who was a Jack Russell Terrier, protected his dead body for two days until the Air Force located them.
Charles Schulz and Spike
The American cartoonist, Charles Schulz based his comic character, Snoopy on his family’s dog who was a Basset Hound named Spike. In later works, a dog called Spike actually appears as Snoopy’s brother. This incredible dog was recorded in the Robert Ripley’s “Believe It or Not” due to his habit of eating razor blades, pins and tacks.
Vladimir Putin and Koni
Koni was given to Putin as a gift in 2000 by the General of the Army Sergey Shoygu. Since she joined the Putin family, she was a significant feature in President Putin’s life, and was constantly at her master’s side. Putin even stated at a press conference that “I try to consult with my dog Koni, who gives me good advice.”
George Clooney and Einstein
Heartthrob silver fox, George Clooney rescued his dog from a shelter in early 2010. He came across his pooch, Einstein, online. In an interview, Clooney said, “So I go online and see Einstein. They had a whole film about him. It was actually really sweet. You see him all beat up and shit in the shelter, and they show how they cleaned him up. God, I love this dog. So I called and said, ‘I like Einstein!’”
