Favourite Pets of Famous People.

Otago Witness, Issue 2861, 13 January 1909, Page 73

Favourite Pets of Famous People.

Princess Henry of Batlenberg has a great fondness for fox terriers, of which J she possesses about a dozen. The Duchess of Connaught resembles Richelieu in her strong regard for cats. Her particular favourite is a fine Persian puss. The King of Greece has a superb St. I Bernard dog, which accompanies his devoted master almost everywhere he goes. Ouida possessed some splendid dogs in her home at Florence, all of which were greatly attached to their gifted mistress, i Lord Spencer's pet is a well-bred iox terrier, with which he may frequently be seen in Althorp Park. Lord Avebury recently tamed a common vrasp as a pet. He gave it a name, to ( which it would readily answer, and it would come and eat syrup off his finger. air Gladstone's pet was a pretty Pomeranian dog named Petz, which used to ! follow his distinguished master wherever he went. Lady Duff Gordon has a peculiar pet. It is a large green snake, which winds itself round her waist and over her shoulders, and then ties itself into a knot at her ladyship's pleasure. Lord Rothschild possesses a perilous , sort of pct — a young lion cub. He feeds ; it on boiled mutton and rice from his own hand, and allows it to follow him about the houre and grounds like a dog. General Buller was very fond of dogs. His fa\ourite dog Tuni accompanied him to South Africa. Once the animal was taken ill, and the General tended it for tv.o nights, until it showed signs of reJ covery. I The Piincess of Wales has a very handsome favourite dog rejoicing in the name of Facey. This fine creature accompanied his royal mistress to Belgium recently, and is her constant and devoted companion. , Madame Patti's favourite pet is a little Mexican dog named Richi. He is provided with a complete wardrobe, including nightgowns made of costly silk and seven handsome collars— or.c for each day in the week. Sarah Bernhardt has a number of uncommon pets, including an opoEsum and two snakes. The opossum is called Tilda, and has been tiained to fetch and tarry at command. The snakes drink milk from a saucer held by the actress. Mr Rider Haggard has a curious and constant pet in his study in the shape oi a large white rat named Jack, wno answers to his name and exhibits remarkable affection for his gifted master. He is very partial to eggs, poached or boiled, and these form his staple diet. The ex-Empress Eugenic never travels without a large wicker basket. Ims basket, v.hich is lined with silk, contains her only pet— a very uncommon one— in ( the form of a full-grown hedgehog. The creature is fed by the Empress hersei., who allows no one else to touch it.