News
Archie - and other family!
22/08/2012
Clare looks back at her canine childhood companions and introduces the readers of Waitrose Weekend to her beloved dog Archie.
“The first face I remember seeing was Candy’s,” Clare recalls. “She was my mother’s boxer and my guardian. She protected me, kept me warm, helped teach me how to walk and tolerated me pushing and prodding her... I think I thought I was a dog. Not a bad idea as they came fairly high up the pecking order in our family!”
Clare’s childhood memoirs - My Animals and Other Family - is a true testament to the huge part that animals (and in particular, horses and dogs) have played in her life. And indeed, they still do!
But there is one personality among them that commands the vast majority of Clare’s attention – one Archie Balding.
“He is a black and white Tibetan terrier who has a very high opinion of himself,” Clare explains. “… partly because his grandfather Fabulous Willie was Best in Show at Crufts.”
It seems that such breeding makes for a high-maintenance attitude at times, especially when Clare is busy working!
“Archie is nearly always pleased to see me, unless he’s cross with me for being away at something meaningless in his world – like the Olympics – in which case he ignores me for a few minutes and then can’t help himself making strange squeaky noises and giving me a cuddle,” she says.
“Archie is not an heroic dog. He is not even a particularly well behaved dog but he is our dog and I love him.”
Read Clare's full column in Waitrose Weekend newspaper - available free in all branches of Waitrose across the UK each Thursday.
Clare's new book - My Animals and Other Family - is published on 13th September, and you can order the book on Amazon, Waterstones or WHSmith now.
Add a Comment
Brendan Smyth October 26th
Hi Clare, Archie looks like a fine young man ! We also have a Tibetan Terrier, 'Sasha' aged 11 months, she is our new recruit following the sad death of our beloved 'Mo' ( approx 14 yr old rescue TT)- Her parents are 'Lasang Chill Out Charley' & 'Lasang Magaskawee' so she has a fine pedigree- We don't think 'Sasha' realises that she has such heritage, she is developing into a great dog -They are the funniest dogs on the planet You should bring 'Archie' along on more of your TV assignments Good luck to you & 'Sasha' sends her best wishes to 'Archie' x Brendan & SueSharon Keeble October 1st
Hello Clare.Your book is fab and very inspirational, I will take a note to be true to myself. Thank you. Can't wait for your next boo!. Your expression and humour is awesome!Julie Cozze-Young September 16th
Your book is simple wonderful, so interesting , amusing and also moving . I wanted to read it slowly as I did not want it to end, but I just could not put it down. I spent my childhood in Andover in Hampshire, so know exactly where Park House Stables . My brother has been several times . Please write another book soon !Patricia Oakley September 15th
Hello Clare I have just been reading your article about your dog Archie And I am so excited because my Tibetan Terrier 'Benji' has the same father his Pedigree name is Araki Willy Doit. He is Black and White the same as Archie. He will be 8yrs old this November. The Kennels we purchased him from Messrs.K.D. Sinclair & N.S.Smith.