Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel for having a dog at a rally. In 2007 he brought a black Labrador (see video above) – apparently without knowing that Merkel was “afraid of dogs”.
Putin made the assurance on Thursday when asked about a passage in the former chancellor’s published memoirs. “If I had known, I would never have done that.” When the two met seventeen years ago in Sochi, southern Russia, the Russian president suddenly brought his black Labrador ‘Koni’ into the room. He ran to Merkel to smell her.
A photo of the large black dog in the middle of a room became famous. In the photo, the former politician looks worriedly at the animal, while Putin looks at the scene with a smile. According to her own statement, Merkel was once bitten by a dog.
Here you can see some photos from the meeting.
Relaxation versus anxiety
In her memoirs, she wrote that the Russian leader “pleased the situation” and perhaps wanted to demonstrate his power or see her in need. He knew very well that she was afraid of dogs. The German said her team had also asked the Kremlin not to allow the four-legged friend to attend the meeting. During their first meeting in Moscow in 2006, this wish was respected. Instead, Putin gave her a black and white stuffed dog that he said doesn’t bite.
Seventeen years after the incident, Putin says he wanted to create a “relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.” “I turn to her again: Angela, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you sad.” The Russian president is known for his love of animals.
Source: Krone
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