Canada’s prime minister, Stephen Harper, recently adopted a kitten from the Ottowa Humane Society.
Then, in a truly democratic move, he decided to let the public name the cat. Fans of Harper’s Facebook page were asked to vote for one of six names: Smokie, Vingt-quatre, Stanley, Earl Grey, Griffin and Gandalf. One soon became the clear favorite.
“Stanley is the winning name! Thank you to those who voted,” Harper announced on Facebook in June. “We encourage everyone to adopt their animals from the many wonderful animal shelters across the country.”
On Friday, Harper posted the below video of Stanley to his Google+ page. But Stanley isn’t the only homeless pet to
benefit from Harper’s advocacy: The PM is a longtime cat foster parent who has sections on his official website about fostering pets and pet adoption (including a weekly featured adoptable pet). To which we can only say, Go, Canada!
Tell us: Would knowing a politician adopted a pet help sway your vote?
See the news stories about Stanley:
CBS News Canada: Harpers’ cat named Stanley after Facebook poll
Calgary Herald: Stephen Harper’s cat: Stanley it is
Toronto Sun: Harper Names Kitten “Stanley”
More about celebrity adopters:
Prince William and Kate Middleton: After your wedding, adopt a pet!
Adopt the Internet Day: Celebrity edition!
LOST star Jorge Garcia adopts two Petfinder dogs!
Best Pet-Adoption Videos: Pro wrestlers show soft spot for shelter dogs
