Continuing our theme of Disability History Month from last week, our final Michaelmas Pet of the Week is Delta, from one of our DPhil students! Delta's owner Wojciech has the following to say:
"Delta is a curious brave-yet-cautious assistance pug! She is eight years old, and I have had her since she was just over a month old. Even as a puppy, she was of great emotional support---helping me to stay calm and stress much less than I would normally do.
Some fun facts about Delta:
1. She prefers socializing with humans rather than other animals. With dogs, she would stand and watch from a safe distance. With humans? Delta quickly befriended everyone she met at the Mathematical Institute, and in fact, many of my friendships here started thanks to her!
2. Delta communicates her needs in a very clever way. She would first stare at you, perhaps bark a little bit if her need is urgent. Once she catches your attention, she wants you to follow her and tries to gesticulate using her paws.
3. She loves blueberries and snow!
4. When we are about to travel, and I pack her things, she often decides to go into her suitcase and sit or lie down there.
5. She sometimes decides that my office mates deserve her company as well, and sleeps next to them instead.
6. Delta is an owner-trained assistance dog, which means that I am both her owner and trainer. I learned about dog training from Nate Schoemer, an American dog training expert, and about my rights and responsibilities under UK law from Sharon Lawrence of the Assistance Dogs Council.
Delta is always keen to meet new friends, so don’t hesitate to say hi!"
Would you like your pet to be a Hilary Pet of the Week? If so, why not take the opportunity over the Christmas Vacation to grab a great pic and email a pic of them and some details (name, breed, fun fact) to @email.