The South Tyneside dog who loved a beer and could even order a half himself!
‘We’ve taught him to talk, and he makes a sound like the words ‘a half’
What a dog, what a talent!
We are talking about Fritz the South Tyneside pooch who not only loved half a pint of beer - he could even order it himself!
It was 40 years ago this Summer when Fritz grabbed his own headlines.
The 11 stone Rotweiller loved a pint back in 1986 but he did not have to rely on any human helpers to get one.
His owner told the Shields Gazette back in the day: “We’ve taught him to talk, and he makes a sound like the words ‘a half’’.”
Fantastic Fritz stole the limelight and we want to hear from other people whose pets deserve their moment in the headlines. First, though, let’s hear more about Fritz.
Our report at the time said: “The three-year-old pooch with a penchant for a pint has no problem getting to the bar. Regulars at his local, The Travelling Man, Boldon, are only too happy to make way for Fritz when he feels a thirst coming on. They needn’t worry, his bark is worse than his bite, even if he does growl his order.”
To give you more of a reminder of life back then, all this was also in the news.
Dog lovers John and Jean Heavisides decided to rope their pet lurcher Epic into their campaign to count the calories when her vet said: “Lose weight, you’re too fat.”
“The change is incredible, ” said Jean, of Windsor Drive, Cleadon. “If I drop a piece of cabbage or other vegetable on the floor she’ll hear it from the other end of the house and come rushing in to try and snatch it to eat.”
Seven fun-packed weeks of activity were announced for Sunderland’s illuminations which were back after a 30-year gap.
As well as the lights - which would loop their way from Whitburn to Wearmouth Bridge - there were exhibitions, quizzes, competitions, concerts, laser shows, model railways, and a circus.
We want to hear from you if you had a pet with an unusual talent back in the day. Whatever its skill, get in touch and tell us more by emailing [email protected]