Boris Johnson's new rescue puppy arrives in Downing Street as name is revealed
The Jack Russell-cross started his life in a Welsh puppy farm and will now live with the PM and his partner Carrie Symonds.
Monday 2 September 2019 15:26, UK
There is a new resident in Downing Street after Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds welcomed their new dog.
Dilyn, a 15-week-old Jack Russell-cross, was picked out by the prime minister from an adoption centre in Wales.
The dog started his life in a Welsh puppy farm and had been "destined for an uncertain existence at the hands of a puppy dealer", Friends of Animals Wales (FOAW) said.
Mr Johnson's partner Ms Symonds revealed the dog's name on Twitter, complete with photos of him exploring his new home.
She also thanked a member of FOAW team called Eileen for saving Dilyn after getting a "tip off that he was to be dumped by a puppy dealer because he was born with a crooked jaw".
"Eileen fixed his little jaw & saved his life. She is a hero," Ms Symonds said.
Dilyn was carried into Downing Street in a pink bag by members of the Welsh shelter, who posed at the door to Number 10.
The PM's official spokesman had earlier revealed the dog will belong to both Mr Johnson and Ms Symonds.
Asked whether the couple's new pet was toilet trained, the spokesman replied: "It's a rescue puppy."
He added that the dog had yet to meet Larry, Number 10's resident cat, by the time he had left to deliver a regular briefing to Westminster journalists.
FOAW said they were "overjoyed" that their "little 'wonky' pup" was moving to Downing Street.
The charity added: "We knew that Carrie Symonds has always been a huge animal welfare advocate and we are absolutely overjoyed that this gorgeous pup will be living his best life with Carrie and the prime minister at their Downing Street home.
"To think our little 'wonky' pup started his life in a Welsh puppy farm and was destined for an uncertain existence at the hands of a puppy dealer, but is now going to be with people who absolutely adore him is a dream come true.
"This little man will want for nothing in his life, what could be better than that?
"And how fantastic to be raising the profile of rescue dogs everywhere in the process!"
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Mr Johnson had discussed the possibility of getting a dog with Downing Street staff when he first arrived.
He and Ms Symonds were reportedly keen to promote Lucy's Law - a crackdown on puppy farms.