The Caucasian shepherd just loves meeting his regular shopkeepers as well as passers-by — and is ‘paid’ for his troubles with tasty treats in exchange for some ‘therapy’ time offering canine comfort and friendship.
His owner Isaac Sadeh moved to Hampstead last year and Julius immediately took to his new neighbourhood, where he is often seen wandering unleashed on his daily ‘walkies’ round.
“Julius is now well-known on the High Street, walking without a leash,” Isaac explained.
“My aim is to raise awareness in the Hampstead community about Julius’s ability to help children. I wanted to volunteer so I joined Therapaws charity with Julius.”
Both man and dog drop in at Hampstead Hill School once a week, where they work with pupils to help with communication skills.
Isaac says Julius is “like a big teddy bear” for children who play with him. He loves children and is therapy for those with special needs, who might find it difficult to open up with people. They feel comfortable with the shaggy hound and gain confidence during his one-hour weekly visits.
Out in the community, Julius is Hampstead’s new ‘village mascot’, and regularly calls in at the florist in the High Street, where shopkeeper Michele even put his photo in her shop window.
Julius calls her ‘My pink lady friend’, according to Isaac.
The butcher feeds him every day. So does the bakery next door, where he gets a daily dish of tuna — then on to the salt beef guy at Olive and Sage deli! What a routine.
“It’s like he’s collecting rent,” Isaac confesses. “The traders have all adopted him as their mascot. He’s my best friend — my Zen teacher.”
Isaac, a herbalist by profession, took in Julius as a rescue dog six years ago.
The popular pooch has never looked back — well no wonder, what with the daily treats along the High Street and playing ‘teddy bear’ to children once a week.
