LAST WORD
WITH...
Anna Webb
The radio and TV broadcaster tells us
about the canine love of her life, and
making the grade as a Bull Terrier!
ABOUT ANNA
Broadcaster, author, and former
columnist for Your Dog Magazine,
Anna has studied natural nutrition
and therapies with the College of
Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT),
and lives in London. She is owned by
Prudence, a Miniature Bull Terrier, and
Dexter, a rehomed English Toy Terrier.
Find out more at
http://www.annawebb.co.ukQTell us about your fi rst dog.
“I grew up with English Springer
Spaniels. Then, when I was 15, we
rescued a Golden Cocker from the NCDL
(now Dogs Trust), who I named Minnie.
My dad believed in rescuing as he was
secretary of the Shropshire branch of the
RSPCA. Minnie taught me about a dog’s
loyalty, even when I left for university
without her. She was my best friend.”QTell us about your current dogs.
“Dexter is a rehomed English Toy
Terrier, Prudence is a Miniature Bull
Terrier, and the successor to my previous
Miniature Bull Terrier, Molly. Both have very
strong personalities and are vulnerable
British breeds.”QWho has been the greatest canine
love of your life?
“Molly; she was my furkid and
co-pilot. We navigated living and working
in London. In Philip Pullman terms, she
was my daemon. Our journey over 13
years taught me so much, not least about
behaviour, nutrition, and natural health.
We did lots together, from TV and
radio work to obedience and even doggy
dancing competitions.”QIn your opinion, what are
the biggest issues facing dog
owners today?
“With a shifting demographic and more
young people owning dogs, one issue is
balancing the need for dog walkers and dog
crèches; another is balancing social media
and dogs, and not forgetting that a dog is for
life, not just for Instagram.”QIf you were a dog, which breed
would you be?
“I’d like to think of myself as a BullTerrier — strong, determined, stubborn,
intelligent, and a natural comedian, but I’m
not sure I’d make the grade!”QWhat do you enjoy most about
being a dog owner?
“The motivation dogs give you,
just with a look or a wag of their tail. I love
walking my dogs on Hackney Marshes;
they’re a gateway to the outdoors, where
you meet like-minded people, and feel part
of a dog-friendly club. I maintain dogs are an
antidote to our smartphone culture too!”QWhat is the best advice you’ve
ever received about owning
a dog?‘A DOG’S LIFE’
Anna’s new podcast explores all levels of modern
dog ownership.
“I’ll be speaking to scientists and experts on
everything from emotional intelligence to nutrition
and behaviour,” said Anna.
“We’ll delve deep into subjects like homeopathy,
telepathic communication, and the pet food
scandal, and there will be a sprinkling of celebrity.
It will be thought-provoking, alternative, and not
a little subversive!” ‘A dog’s life’ will be available to
download on apple, spotify, and other podcasting
platforms, from the end of February.74 Your Dog March 2020“Learn to ‘speak dog’ and understand what
dogs are communicating to us through
their body language and eye contact. Also,
never underestimate how training builds
focus and a happy relationship.”QTell us a funny story about
your dog(s).
“Living with Prudence means every
day is a little bit like being in a comedy
sketch show. But one incident in particular
reveals her brilliance, and still makes me
laugh now.
“We were on a long train journey and she
was feeling ill, yet she still managed to be
sick in my brown paper sandwich bag — so
much better than the train fl oor!”Face to face with her hero, the biologist
and author Dr Rupert Sheldrake, during
an interview for her podcast.Anna with Dexter
and Prudence.Image: @sociallysophiebImage: @dogsandhorsesukImage: @gruff pawtraits