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Is this canine commuter going to Barking? No, the Isle of Dogs
5 Mar 2009Rufus is a regular on the Metropolitan line as he accompanies owner Michael Stavrides from Pinner to Baker Street.
Mr Stavrides, who runs an art gallery, said that although Rufus, a five-year-old 176lb Pyrenean mountain dog, occupies a sizeable space, he was not going to respond to suggestions from fellow passengers that he acquire an Oyster card for his companion.
"Staff across the line know and love him and there's no way they'd make him pay," he said.
Reader views (9)
Rufus is a wonderful dog. And is always well behaved. I do sometimes get Rufus Fur all over my coat though If I stand too close.
He is riding the Circle Line or Hammersmith and City Line above. The Hammersmith and City Line does go to Barking.
- Jj, Pinner, 12/03/2009 11:22
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He's a big soppy thing who never seems to mind a pat or a stroke from fellow passengers. The dog is quite friendly too.
- Ab, Pinner, 06/03/2009 08:54
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I'm wondering whether he has to carry Rufus on the escalator?!
- Brian Kerr, London, 05/03/2009 23:37
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As long the Railway Byelaws are complied with (yes there is one regarding purchasing a ticket for an animal, should the Rail Operator require it (Byelaw 16(2)) then I don't see a problem.
I agree with Isabel about there being other irresponsible owners, but people with suitcases can cause people to fall on the tracks (I know I've seen it, and dealt with the consequences!)
But if you miss Rufus ya gotta get your eyes tested!
- Stevve, Essex, UK, 05/03/2009 21:48
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I am allergic to dogs and asthmatic and have never had any problem with them travelling on the tube. There's enough air circulating and it's only like having a guide dog in the carriage which there regularly is on the line I travel. As for the people who reckon Rufus should have his own Oyster card - that's just ridiculous. He is only as big as the pushchairs people take on the tube and far more maneouvrable.
- Db, London, 05/03/2009 17:07
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This dog is gorgeous but ideally animals should be kept off the tube. People with allergies could find themselves in a really difficult situation with nowhere to go if the train is jam packed. Its the confined space that's the issue. Also, big dogs if not properly controlled can easily knock people over - onto the tracks even. There are plenty irresponsible dog owners out there. I'm sure this dog's behaviour is impeccable though - my assumption being mainly based on his adorable fluffiness and totally docile looking face.
- Isabel, Woking, 05/03/2009 16:09
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Are you saying then, that dogs are allowed on the tube?
- Phil, Washington, D.C., USA, 05/03/2009 15:11
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Rufus the dog is lovely. The owner is a nice guy too. (he once let me take a picture on my phone of Rufus) most owners would scowl. Also Rufus is NO way near as annoying as half the people that travel the train!
- R P, Pinner, 05/03/2009 14:12
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Nice dog... but this isn't a Metropolitan Line train (which doesn't go to Barking or the Isle of Dogs anyway) - looks more like a Jubilee Line 'tube' train to me. Pets should't have to pay to go on the Underground, as long as they behave!
- Mike Brooke, Dollis Hill, London, 05/03/2009 12:21
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