St Bernard Goes Along for the Ride
Photography: Paul Marriott
Alan and Tina Valkeith, from Peterborough, were left with a dilemma when it emerged Harley, their pet St Bernard, did not like being left alone at home. If his owners left the house without him, the 12 stone St Barnard would "fret".
Taking him with them, however, proved problematic. The possessors of a two-door Jaguar, the Valkeiths soon discovered that Harley - whose previous owners had given him up due to his size - would not fit inside.
Their solution? The couple purchased a Honda Goldwing motorbike and adapted a helmet, harness, goggles and fluorescent jacket for their dog, in order that he could travel in the sidecar.
"Buying the bike with a sidecar seemed the ideal solution," Mr Valkeith said, after the couple had had to forego joint bike rides in order for one to stay in to keep their pet company.
The couple, self-styled 'fair-weather bikers', said finding dog-friendly equipment was a challenge. But with the ingenious adaption of a helmet, which involved taking an ordinary helmet apart and moulding it to the shape of Harley's head, and the creation of some protective 'doggles', Harley was ready to roll.
"He really does love it," Mr Valkeith said. "If Harley even sees me walking towards the garage he runs after me, and when he hears the bike's engine he know it's time to go out and gets very excited."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
