MINSK, 26 January (BelTA) — Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko shared the story how spitz Umka joined his family, BelTA has learned.
The head of state remarked that he has always loved dogs. However, he used to prefer large dogs, such as shepherds. As for his spitz Umka, Aleksandr Lukashenko became its owner by accident.
“He was gifted not to me, but he grew attached to me. Well, what can I do? This is why I love him so much. He is like a child. His main competitor is Nikolai, certainly, because he knows that I love Nikolai and him, and he is jealous. I did not realize it before, though I was born in the village and understand the behavior of animals ,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said. "I did not think before that I can treat an animal like a baby: he is the most loyal, reliable. People, perhaps, can't be as loyal as dogs. He has good instincts. If I go somewhere where there will be people (he is very jealous), he knows in his gut that he should also be there."
The president was asked why Umka always accompanies him. “He is like a child. He feels when I am leaving. He looks at me in a way to make sure he is not left behind. He just stares at me. I look at him and feel sorry for him. I think: all right, I will take you in the car. But he jumped out of the car and came after me. A dog always chooses his favorite person and will look at others with jealousy and follow only his person. What can I do with him: he is just a little boy,” the president said.
“In general, animals are an exceptional priority for me. You must understand that this little dog needs protection and support more than people. People can protect themselves, but animals do not. I treat them like children, especially these little ones,” the head of state said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko added that one day he will tell journalists the story of the appearance of spitz Umka, but one-on-one. “When he was so small he fit the palm of my hand, we went to the lake, and he fell down from the pier. After that he does not go near the water. I jumped in to get him out of there. In winter! I wrapped this wet puppy in my jacket and took him home. He appreciated it,” the president added.
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