SuperWoof to Battersea Park.. but where are the four-legged stars?!?

06 Jan 08

Now, like any normal London-living dog, I’ve got my paws on the beat of things. And I’ve known for some time know that London is to be the home of the Doggie ‘Walk of Fame’ — an area dedicated to dogs in cinema, just like the ‘walk of fame’ for two-legged actors in LA.

Rumour had it that Battersea Park was to be the home of the Dog Walk of Fame — in park due to its proximity to the world-famous dogs’ home and charity the Battersea Dogs’ Home. Woof! So I decided this past Saturday to make a day trip of it. All the way from Norf Londn to South (Souff) London — in search of some golden stars and golden dogs’ paws.

I found lots of other things at Battersea — including six other dachshunds, including one very sweet long-haired blonde girl-dachshund called Daisy!! — and the golden Buddha shrine by the side of the Thames — and much more on top of that — but…. no dogs paws, no golden stars, no doggie walk of fame….. Awoooo!

Now I know I’m not dreaming. The first ever permanent Dog Walk of Fame was touted in the media since at least October 2007… The award was supported by none other than the Kennel Club and founded by Sky Movies… all to honour legendary dogs of the silver screen.

The list of initial inductees into the Dog Walk of Fame was announced at the event by presenter Johnny Vaughn and his Bulldog, Harvey; Ian Lewis, Director of Sky Movies; and Caroline Kisko from the Kennel Club.

Hundreds of votes were cast by film fans and dog lovers on skymovies.com. From the results of that vote, the first dogs chosen to be inducted are:

Bullseye: Oliver!

Lassie: Lassie Come Home

Toto: The Wizard of Oz

Bobby: Greyfriars Bobby, The True Story of a Dog

Gromit: Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit

Chance & Shadow: Homeward Bound;The Incredible Journey

Fang: Harry Potter films

It has been said that all dogs voted in would be commemorated with a plaque and bench at the heart of Battersea Park, around the famous bandstand. They also promise that dogs will be inducted into the hall of fame on an annual basis and will be selected from all genres and eras of film history.

Battersea Park’s Jennifer Ullman said “Battersea Park has been a home to dog walkers for many years, including myself. It is a beautiful place to spend time and meet other dog lovers. The park supports the local Battersea Dogs Home’s events and is delighted to cement the area’s unique relationship with man’s best friend by hosting this new canine landmark.”

Gggrwooof! All I can think to suggest is that we all write to Battersea Park’s powers that be (maybe starting with Jennifer Ullman) to request at least TWO things:

1) confirmation that the Dog Walk of Fame actually exists, and

2) much better sign-posting so that all doggish afficiandos such as myself that take a day trip to see said Walk of Fame have some hope of actually finding it.

That being said, being lost and looking for the golden stars, though it felt a bit like chasing the Holy Grail, was fun and resulted in finding many other fine things in the process — such as the wonderful fountains, the semi-tropical gardens, the golden buddhas….

SuperWoof to Battersea Gardens! Even if we didn’t find the golden paws…. It definitely is worth another visit. Hopefully on a warmer day, so’s I can get the feet to buy me an icecream…

Awoof!

Archie