Lennu, the dog of the presidential couple, has his eyes locked on the photographer during a reception of Christmas greetings in Mäntyniemi. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Asmall dog with pointy ears is approaching the gates of Kesäranta, the official residence of the prime minister, late on Wednesday afternoon.
Behind the dog, a man holding a retractable dog leash, wearing dark sunglasses, a grey hoodie, loose pants and blue jogging shoes is trying to catch up with his furry friend’s hurried pace.
Wait a minute . . . . There’s no doubt about it.
It’s Lennu and President Sauli Niinistö!
“This is our standard route,” President Niinistö says to the photographer and TV cameraman waiting to be let in the gates to document the meeting of Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and the EU’s High Representative Federica Mogherini.
Suddenly, Lennu, who is a Boston Terrier and very quick in his turns, runs toward the gate. He lifts his leg up but President Niinistö starts reeling back the leash and raises his voice:
“Don’t do it! We don’t piss there,” President Niinistö says.
With a grin on his face, Niinistö continues jogging with Lennu who has taken the lead again.
“Six kilometers if we feel like it,” Niinistö says referring to the distance of their jog.
You can watch the video here: https://www.mtv.fi/video/prog988086
