We catch up with former National MP, now chief executive of the Auckland Business Chamber, Simon Bridges to find out about his dog Toto. Simon lives in Auckland with his wife, Natalie and their three children.
TW: What breed is your dog?
SB: Toto is a Sydney Silky
TW: How old is he and how long have you had him?
SB: Nearly 2 years old and we’ve had him about a year and a half
TW: What is his personality like?
SB: Toto has a wonderful friendly nature, loves a long walk and is loyal as they come. What is really amazing about him is how perfectly he fits in both with apartment living but also our relatively active lives. He’s happy chilling several storeys up at home in our apartment or out and about on my walks with him to the top of Mt Eden or the Domain.
TW: Does he have any particular tricks or talents?
SB: We haven’t taught him any tricks yet, but he is certainly a clever chap. He knows exactly what is what, and for example you only have to put your shoes on and he’s standing by the lead ready for a stroll.
TW: Any not so good traits?
SB: In the early days we hadn’t done a good enough job toilet training Toto and he enjoyed a sneaky pee including on some of my shoes! He has gotten much better in this department, and we just couldn’t fault him today other than for maybe being a bit of an over enthusiastic licker who’ll often wake me in this manner.
TW: What are some of his favourite places to go, and things to do?
SB: Toto is up for anything and going anywhere. We walk a lot around the city, Mt Eden and Parnell. I’d say his favourite place would be a beach, running here there and everywhere chasing the tides and other dogs if he’s allowed.
TW: What are some of the best things about having a dog?
SB: A dog’s loyalty and irrepressible friendliness are pretty hard to beat. While Toto is certainly capable of chilling on your lap, his joyful enthusiasm is also hard to beat. He’ll match your moods and fit in with whatever.
TW: What are you working on at the moment that you can share with The Wag, some key goals or projects for the Auckland Chamber?
SB: I really enjoy working at the Auckland Business Chamber. We do so much that’s so varied including events, a lot of international business work, and a heap around employment and skills for young Aucklanders. Personally, I also do a bit of board work and today I’m involved in a pet food business with three core products – NRG Plus, My Raw Pet and Wild HQ. This work is in keeping with my passion for pets throughout my working life. As an MP, the first law I took through Parliament was one which significantly increased the criminal penalties for animal cruelty so that offenders of sadistic crimes against animals now go to jail when they didn’t before. I also struck up a relationship with SPCA boss Sir Bob Kerridge and helped out there a bit around that time. I recall doing a TV show called something like Make Your Politician Work which had me working at the SPCA refuge cleaning out cages and shoveling (rather large) dog poops!
