Meet Siobhan and Dotty!

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR COURSE OF STUDY, AND YOUR FURRY FRIEND.

I’m Siobhan and I’m currently studying for an MA in Fine Art, and this is my dog Dotty.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? At the Locksbrook Campus. WHAT BREED IS YOUR PET?

Dotty is a Terrier cross border and Norfolk - she looks like a jack Russell.

HOW OLD IS YOUR PET She is four and a half.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR PET FROM A PUPPY OR DID YOU RESCUE THEM?

I’ve had her since she was a sixweek-old puppy.

HOW DID YOUR PET HELP YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC?

Dotty kept me sane. The daily walks and company really helped.

HAS YOUR PET EVER MADE AN APPEARANCE IN A LECTURE OR SEMINAR?

Not yet!

HAS YOUR PET EVER PROVIDED INSPIRATION FOR ANY OF YOUR WORK? DO YOU HAVE A SHORT EXTRACT?

My work is often based on photos I take while on our walks. So indirectly she influences my work. Every morning and evening we are out walking up and down the hills.

IS YOUR PET HELPFUL OR A HINDRANCE TO YOU WHILST YOU’RE WORKING?It hasn’t been easy. I have to work my day around university and walking her. I don’t like leaving her for long periods during the day but I’ve had to. I have someone who helps with walking her if I can’t do it but it’s not the same as doing it myself. On the other hand, she’s a great stress relief and allows me time to think when I’m walking her. In that way, she’s an asset because some of my best ideas happen when I’m with her!

AND FINALLY, ARE YOU YOUR PET’S FAVOURITE HUMAN?

Definitely!