He's a fashion icon, entrepreneur and world-famous supermodel, who shot to fame fronting campaigns for the likes of Dolce & Gabbana. But for the last nine years, David Gandy has shared photo shoots – and his life – with a very special four-legged companion: rescue dog Dora.
We caught up with David to hear all about how Dora came to join his family, and the surprising things they get up to together – from designer shopping to sock stealing:
I would describe Dora in three words as... patient, determined and loyal.
She would say that I… never sit still! She’s like my shadow and follows me everywhere.
Before Dora, there was… a succession of dogs from Battersea Cats & Dogs Home. I fostered six in all, to give them time away from kennels, but was travelling so much for work that I couldn’t commit to more than a few weeks. It was always so hard giving them up.
I first met Dora when… she was 12 weeks old. Battersea contacted me to ask if I could foster and start training her. She was just the most incredible little dog. By this time, I was with my partner Stephanie and travelling less, so could finally commit the time required. Dora’s kept me company for nine years now; life wouldn’t be the same without her.
She’s named after… Dora the Explorer. Battersea gave her that name and I loved it, but didn’t know it was a children’s programme at the time – I kept being surprised that children knew her full name when I told them she was Dora.
We’ve both rather partial to… rich tea biscuits. We’re also both fairly low maintenance. Dora refuses to go to the groomers so she gets haircuts from me – luckily she can pull off ‘shaggy terrier’ style.
Unlike me Dora doesn’t like… wearing Hackett or a Barbour jacket (although she’s fond of their accessories). If you put any clothing on her she won’t move. She’s loves being in front of the camera though and has joined me on shoots ever since she was a puppy, from campaigns to covers.
A typical day starts with… the school run. Dora loves children, so this is an exciting part of her day. Then we do a three-mile walk in Richmond Park. She’s so used to the deer now that she barely notices them. Once a deer approached her and they smelt each other, almost as a greeting, then it started following us home.
Dora can’t get enough of… my socks. They started going missing when she was a puppy. At first I didn’t know where they were going, then I realised any time I put some down she was stealing and collecting them.
If in doubt, you’ll find Dora… in front of our big glass doors on her Burberry blanket, guarding the garden to make sure there are no squirrels.
Her guilty pleasure is… my daughter’s soft toys, which she occasionally steals to add to her toy box. Sometimes she’ll take against a new dog toy and bury it in the garden. I’m constantly finding half-buried toys when I’m gardening, but if I give one back to her, she immediately goes and buries it again.
I wish more people knew... how many rescue dogs need a good home through no fault of their own, and how appreciative they are to be given a second chance at a wonderful life. Too many people base their dog choice on trends and what will look good on Instagram, which means breeders can charge huge amounts of money for dogs that might not have been bred correctly and may have health issues. After rehoming Dora, I would only ever give rescue dogs a forever home in future.
David Gandy is an Ambassador for Battersea Dog’s & Cats Home.
Top model picks for your dog
Barbour Tartan Dog Collar
Dress your dog like David Gandy does in one of Barbour's stylish dog collars. This leather and tartan number is durable and chic.
Barbour Quilted Dog Coat
Who says Barbour jackets are just for humans? Now you and your pooch can match on rainy walks.
Hugo & Hudson x Hackett Tweed Dog Collar
This tweed collar has been designed by Hackett, another of David's favourite brands to dress both himself and his dog in.
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
