Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling’s guide dog, Jennie, recently debuted in the House of Commons. The pup has been slowly gaining a fan following, with many describing her as the honorary 73rd Liberal Democrat MP. Moreover, the canine has already made acquaintance with the infamous Number 10 cat, Larry, the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office.
Jennie the guide dog is taking the Palace of Westminster by storm
Jennie the Golden Retriever is a guide dog for new Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling. The Member of Parliament is severely sight impaired and registered blind. She can always be found by her owner’s side and helps him navigate the Palace of Westminster. While the duo has faced some challenges due to the new surroundings, the pup has quickly picked up the layout.
Darling told The Guardian, “We’re getting used to different commands like finding the cloakroom, finding Westminster Hall, and also finding the chamber.” He noted that taking him back to the chamber was one of her favorites. Jennie knows she will get to lie down for some time when they head to the location. However, the guide dog’s favorite has to be the House of Commons tearooms because she has a greater chance of finding some food on the floor.
Jennie the guide dog has been enjoying her life in London, thanks to the parks they come across when heading to the Commons. However, Steve Darling expressed concern about her security as she has been gaining popularity in the United Kingdom.
The canine’s account on X — formerly known as Twitter — was recently set up on July 10. She already has over 18,000 followers, which is nowhere near the Number 10 cat, Larry’s almost 900,000 followers. However, the canine is quickly catching up to the Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office’s social media following.
Jennie the guide dog briefly met Larry the cat during a visit to 10 Downing Street. Darling noted she was pretty “fixated” on the Number 10 feline. He said, “She was staring up at the window, and Larry was pretending to look out, but I was told he had his eyes closed.”
