Me & My Pet: Shirlie Kemp

We chat to Shirlie Kemp, singer with the famous duo Pepsi & Shirlie, TV personality  and wife to Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet, about her passion for houses but most importantly about her love for her rescue dog, Iris and the Rushton Dog Rescue Charity. 

What projects are you working on at the moment? Tell us about Maison 9

 I’m totally addicted to houses, my dad was a builder so I’ll blame him! We have only lived at Maison number 9 for three years today. We have had to do far more repairs than I imagined just to stop leaks, damp and wood rot etc. The garden is big and that is going to take a few years to get right but it’s fun work anyway!

Tell us about your gorgeous dog Iris. When did you get her, what breed is she and what made you fall in love with her?

I had been a patron of Rushton for a few years and had fallen in love with some of their own rescues and said I would love to add another dog to my family so when I saw a photo of Iris , I immediately knew she was going to be a part of my family. We have only had her 4 years but I feel like we have had her always. 

She is one of the prettiest dogs we have ever had and gets a lot of attention when she’s out and about.  She looks like a teddy bear and is happier when in the arms of anyone willing to hold her. She prefers being held to walking! She adores Martin (I think because he gives her all the treats) he adores her too. He always calls her little one. He grows strawberries for her and creates a fruit platter for her served on a China plate. Who would have imagined this little rescue from China has such a wonderful life now . Everyone loves Iris as her nature is very calm and she is not bothered by other animals, she will quite happily watch a squirrel and birds with no intention of chasing them.

Was it important for you to get a rescue dog and what makes the Rushton Dog Rescue centre so special?

It’s so important to include rescue dogs, I don’t understand how people spend thousands of pounds on a dog and have no idea that it’s most probably come from a very cruel puppy farm. I’ve tried telling friends to rescue but first time dog owners seem to think buying an expensive puppy is the right thing to do! Cindi and Zoe are totally dedicated to their rescue work and saving the dogs is their life! I honestly don’t know how they do it, it’s not for the faint hearted, they are on the frontline of saving dogs lives and then hopefully finding a suitable and happy home for the dogs. It’s a very tough job and wonderful at the same time.

What is a typical day for you and Iris?

Iris sleeps on my bed and snores, I wake up and turn her around to stop the snoring . She really loves my bed and is always the last one up. I often have to lift her off and carry her downstairs. She loves her morning biscuits that martin gives the dogs and if he is running late she will go to the biscuit cupboard and bark until he responds.

We walk them round the garden and if it’s wet Iris will normally be the first one to run back inside. She will then have breakfast and go and sit on her favourite sofa. We take the dogs where ever we can work, restaurants etc and she is incredibly well behaved. She likes to go out and about and enjoys going in the car too. She is quite lazy as I’m sure you have guessed but that’s ok, as long as she is having a good life and lots of love then we’re happy.

What difference has Iris made to your lives?

Iris is like having a real life teddy bear and as I always say, there’s nothing like having dogs in a home for company and healing. I actually think Iris would have been a perfect dog anxiety as I notice how she relaxes everyone who holds her. She is a true companion dog.

Does Iris have a favourite member of the family? 

Yes Martin, they adore each other!

Does Iris have a best friend?

We have other dogs but Iris is an alpha, what she really likes though is a worn sock! She will go searching for an old sock take it on the sofa and growl if you try and take it away.

Does Iris have some favourite parks/cafes she likes to visit?

Yes she loves pear tree cafe in Battersea  and Meghan’s is dog friendly too. She rather prefers the city life to the countryside.

Any funny incidents involving Iris?

Iris invited herself onto Goggle box, a tv show that my son Roman does with Martin. It’s filmed at our house but involves lots of snacks. When Iris saw the popcorn she just jumped on the sofa and would leave  and then became well known for being on Goggle box!

What do you feel strongly about with regard to animal welfare?

 Animal welfare is one of those things that I am in disbelief about. I don’t understand how humans treat these wonderful creatures who are here to help us in so many ways and we are barbaric to them. I have always been so sensitive towards animals, they open my heart and I fall in love so easily with them that I’m beyond broken when I see animal cruelty and abuse.

I pray for laws to change to protect and for humans to give them the love and respect they deserve.

Favourite holiday destinations and which PetsPyjamas hotel you might like to visit with Iris?

We don’t really go on many holidays anymore, mainly because we don’t leave the dogs and if my sister can’t have them then that’s it! As I say we do take them to work if we can to dog friendly restaurants you but mainly the dogs love it as we do when we are out in the garden pottering around as they have a big space to do what ever they choose and Iris didn’t like to over do it and likes her own bed (well mine) and sofa .