Give the mod a home: Wiggo’s canine honour
SPORTING immortality, lucrative endorsement deals, invites to swanky parties where the drinks are free – some things go with the territory of becoming an Olympic champion.
But Britain’s first gold medallists of London 2012, cycling messiah Bradley Wiggins and rowing wunderkinds Helen Glover and Heather Stanning, have also been honoured in less conventional fashion.
In tribute to their historic achievements, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have named three of their residents after the triumphant trio, and urged animal loving sport fans to throw them a bone.
Wiggins the one-year- old Staffordshire bull terrier doesn’t just share a name with Britain’s most successful Olympian; his red fur is also a similar tint to Bradley’s famous mod cut and sideburns.
Seven-week-old Chihuahuas Helen and Heather, meanwhile, possess the same steely determination as their rowing inspirations, according to (frankly imaginative) staff at the south London institution.
“Helen, Heather and Wiggins are all champions in the making, and we want them all to win the ultimate gold medal, by triumphing with a new home,” said Ali Taylor, head of canine welfare training.
“Here at Battersea everyone is right behind Team GB and we hope that naming some of our animals after the team will help spur them on to win even more medals.”