Paddington finds a furry friend
Photo: JimmyMac210 / CC BY 2.0
As children, we all experienced that moment of sheer, sweaty terror when we turned around to find our parents had disappeared, and we had no way of knowing either where they or we were. It happened to me in Trafalgar Square, which probably explains my pigeon phobia.
I continue to get lost frequently on account of my appalling sense of direction (although this has happened less since I got an iPhone, because it always knows where I am. It’s when I lose the iPhone that I panic).
Still, back in the day, my brother and I disappeared less often than most children because my mother strapped reins to us when we ventured into crowded places. These were basically dog leads for kids, not at all painful and far less inhumane than they sound.
My breeder friends tell me that such practical accessories are frowned on today, which is perhaps why a company called SafetyTat is launching temporary (so they say) personalized tattoos that read: "If lost, please call" and your phone number.
It's the Paddington Bear luggage label for the 21st century. I'll be slapping them on my niece and nephew next time they come to stay, and I might get some for myself while I'm at it.
I recommend these to anyone with children.