How Bridgerton’s Pups Went From Rescue Dogs to Diamonds of The Season
Gabrielle LaFrank
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Dearest Gentle Readers,
This author finds herself in welcome company as the premiere of the next installment of the Bridgerton family tale looms ever near. The ton is abuzz with news of Penelope Featherington’s rendezvous with Colin Bridgerton, but wallflowers such as I have noticed a few other gems who shine equally as bright. These members of society are quite possibly the most beloved of Her Majesty, Queen Charlotte, as well as many other prominent families in the ton.
I’m writing, of course, of our canine companions. Although every diamond of a dog can sparkle and shine, Newton Sharma and Her Majesty’s court of Pomeranians deserve their own moment in society’s spotlight. As it happens, these dogs have rags-to-riches ‘tails’ just as enchanting as the Bridgertons’.
Austin the Corgi Stars as Newton
While the doting public knows him as Newton–the Sharma family’s beloved lap dog–those in society’s inner circle know this regal companion as Austin. Born in 2014, Austin found his confidence in training, dog shows, and, eventually, entertainment.
Let me assure you, dear reader, that Austin the Corgi’s rise to stardom was completely free of scandal. In fact, he has been named the diamond of the season several times, earning himself many accolades in the iconic Crufts British dog show.
Before debuting in the ton, Austin too held a supporting role as one of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved Corgis in The Windsors: Inside the Royal Dynasty. It was on this set that dog trainer Joanna Mayston named him the incomparable of the season. She knew he was destined for more, thanks to his brains, his beauty, and his affinity for a feast.
Mayston describes him as easygoing and full of wit, with an air of confidence and emotion that cannot be learned. He is vulnerable to bribes, however, and often performs at his best when offered a reward of cocktail sausage. Now, that is something that this author and this leading lad have in common!
Queen Charlotte’s Pomeranians Living Their Own Fairy Tales
One cannot mention the four-legged members of the ton without acknowledging Her Majesty Queen Charlotte’s closest companions (besides Brimsley, of course). A posse of prim and proper Pomeranians follow Her Majesty and her ladies-in-waiting through each of London’s social seasons, and they, too, have risen in society to earn their lives of luxury.
Eleven royal Pomeranians from the Soho Poms team team up to portray the Poms in Queen Charlotte’s court. At the Crufts Dog Show in 2023, Julian Bennett recalled the journey that carried these rescue dogs to London high society. They were saved from scandal and squalor when Natalie Knauf acquired them all from a breeder who “just couldn’t get rid of them.” With Natalie, the loyal canines were nursed back to health and began a life in the spotlight.
These altruistic Poms graciously offer all profits to Kennel Club Charitable Trust. Many of the canines have also secured roles in other films and shows, although they will never experience the royal treatment quite as they do with Her Majesty.
Surely, members of the ton are not blind to the loyalty, love, and honor canine companionship can bring. The presence of Newton and Her Majesty’s Pomeranians–gifts from His Majesty King George III himself–prove how universal and life-altering the devotion of a pet can be.
Until there is more scandal to report in Grosvenor Square, this author can think of nothing but praise for the beloved pets who brighten both their owner’s moods and all the ton around them.
Yours Truly,
Lady Whistledog
