Leading article: In the court of the canines
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The relationship between small dogs and celebrities is long established. Recently, no goddess of the silver screen was to be seen without a miniature pooch peeking out of her handbag, or being taken for walkies. Such photographs were usually accompanied by a moving story about how the little fellow was the most important man in the diva's life, especially following her recent, tragic break-up.
Lately, however, the idea of the small dog as indispensable fashion accessory has gone into decline, which may explain the growing number of such animals ending up in animal refuges. So it is good to hear that small dogs now have another public champion.
Step forward non-female tennis star Novak Djokovic and his little friend, Pierre, whose exclusion from dog-unfriendly Wimbledon has left the Serbian sportsman "genuinely upset". This sounds like a mould-breaking moment, up there with David Beckham's decision to wear a sarong. There is no reason for small dogs to belong almost exclusively in people's imaginations to rich women in Paris or Hollywood. Why shouldn't love blossom between little dogs and tough male stars? As a newspaper that consistently goes against the grain, we applaud Djokovic for going against a tired stereotype, and for, if we may say so, thinking independently.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments