Being in Cleveland, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, West Park Animal Hospital decided it would be remiss to not take the time to feature some of our favorite pets of rock and roll. Read on to live vicariously through a few fluffy friends who really know how to jam.
Historical Pets of Rock and Roll
Rockers having a close relationship with their pets is not a new phenomenon. As long as there has been good music, there have been animals to go along with it. Take, for instance:
Paul McCartney and Stella – “Martha, My Dear” is supposedly about Paul’s love for fiancee Jane Asher, but we can’t help but wonder if his Old English Sheepdog, named Martha, deserves more of the credit.
Robert Plant and Strider – If you are a Led Zeppelin fan, you might recognize the line “…There ain’t no companion like a blue-eyed merle” from “Bron-Y-Aur Stomp”. This line refers to Plant’s Collie, Strider.
Elvis Presley – The King of Rock and Roll himself was a known canine lover. He had many dogs and loved to give them as gifts. Alas, he doesn’t appear to have ever owned a hound dog, though.
Elton John and Arthur – Arthur the Cocker Spaniel was best man at Elton John and David Furnish’s civil partnership ceremony. While Elton has had many dogs, Arthur seems to hold a special place in rock and roll.
Eric Clapton and Jeep – Jeep the Weimaraner is featured on the 1975 cover of There’s One in Every Crowd. He was Clapton’s childhood friend and an important part of the rocker’s life. George Harrison’s song, “I Remember Jeep”, is a tribute to this special dog.
Freddie Mercury and Delilah – We can’t forget those of the feline persuasion! Freddie’s favorite cat Delilah has a song named for her on Queen’s album Innuendo. “You make me so very happy when you cuddle up and go to sleep beside me; and then you make me slightly mad when you pee all over my Chippendale suite”. He also spent some of his very final moments with Delilah when he passed in 1991.
Modern Rockers
There are many special pets who play important roles in the lives of our more modern music makers, as well. Some of these include:
Miley Cyrus and Floyd – Floyd was an Alaskan Klee Kai, which looks like a small Husky. While he recently passed away, he played an important part in this young musician’s life.
Norah Jones and Ralph – Ralph the poodle is tributed in Jones’ 2009 Album The Fall within the song “The Man of the Hour”. “Though we’ll never take a shower, I know you’ll never make me cry”.
Bradley Nowell and Louie – While Nowell died of a drug overdose in 1996, Louie, his $500 Dalmatian named for the singer’s grandfather, will be forever recognized as the iconic dog on Sublime’s album cover.
Katy Perry and Butters – Katy’s cute, little red fluff ball, Butters, has graced the red carpet and even played a role during the Super Bowl Halftime Show Press Conference in 2015.
Taylor Swift and her kitties – Taylor’s very sophisticated feline pals, Dr. Meredith Grey and Detective Olivia Benson, tour with her and are often featured in her social media posts.
Maybe we aren’t so different from rockstars, after all. One thing we all have in common is how important our pets are in our lives. A source of inspiration and unconditional love, we have a responsibility to take care of these amazing critters. Please call us whenever you need help doing the best for your beloved pet. You are a rockstar to them!
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