Politicians and their pets: Finlay Carson and his puppy Corrie

Breed? 

Male golden Labrador 

Age? 

Four months

How long have you had him? 

Six weeks

Where did you get him? 

From a dog rescue charity based in Sunderland

What can he do? 

He can sit, retrieve and give a paw on command. He’s also very good at avoiding capture.

What do you love about him? 

He’s surprisingly calm for a puppy and also has a very friendly and loving nature

What special talents does he have? 

The ability to chew and destroy anything in a matter of seconds, way faster than would be expected from normal puppy behaviour

What’s his best trick? 

He can jump off the ground with all four paws at once when he gets excited

What are his most annoying habits?

See above: his ability to chew and destroy anything in a matter of seconds

What’s the worst thing he’s done? 

He destroyed my Crocs, and the children’s swing

Do you think of yourself as a pet parent or pet owner? 

A pet parent

What’s the most ridiculous thing you have bought or done for your pet? 

I have forgiven him for eating my Crocs

What’s your first pet or animal-related memory? 

Buying my first dog Glen, a Border Collie puppy, for a £1 at a church sale. I was six years old and my parents had no knowledge of my purchase until we met up back at the car later.

What was the first pet you ever had?

Glen, the Border Collie who thought he was a retriever

What would be your dream pet? 

I have been lucky to have always had a dog in my life – one collie, three black labs and now a golden lab. They have all been dream pets and very much family members.

If you could be any animal what would you be? 

A Labrador for sure. Who could possibly not love them to bits?