vicwho1

Skills : A gentleman would need to watch his billfold and pocket watch when this bisexual hound indulged in business! This early Police photograph shows the recently-arrested dog at his alluring best, those dark, plaintive eyes masking his steely criminal soul. On profferment of a tuppence the Todger would lure the unsuspecting customer down one of the East End's dark alleyways before setting to work with his mouth. While the customer was approaching the 'Velvety Gatesa of Heaven' the devious hound's paws would be in every pocket or purse, relieving him or her of fob, key chain or any victuals the person may have about their person. On completion of the transaction, the Artful Todger would slip away, heavy with contraband and safe in the knowledge that the client would not contact the Bow Street Runners for fear of shame and ridicule.

This picture catalogues the time the Artful Todger was finally apprehended; moment after rimming a plain-clothes officer and attempting to make good his escape with a a monocle and a full pipe set, the Todger was at last captured. He died three weeks later in Harlesden gaol. Whilst being walked around the exercise yard he was set about by a trio of Boxers who had mistaken him for a corrupt judge, and he died of his injuries several hours later. Thousands attended his funeral in the East End, and as a final act of irony many of the mourners had their pockets picked by his trained stealth pups. Last words : "Leave it aht! Nah, really DO leave it aht! Gertcha, mercha...I don' care if he cams rahn'd ''ere"

Skills : Esme became legendary for her sheer adaptability. The role of the Whoredog had changed to such an extent that it was now de rigeur to be seen in the company of such bitches as Esme, particularly at the great social gatherings such as Royal garden parties and the great Sunday Stroll around Hyde Park. To be accompanied by a human on such an occasion was tolerated but the social high-flyers of the day would rather die that have anything other than a Whoredog companion. For a modest fee an escort could be rented for the day and paraded (though a leash was required in Hyde Park). Esme's typical day would be a morning stroll with Lady Fennell around her estate, a visit to the shopping paradise of Oxford Street on the arm of Colonel Schnapps and finally a visit to Covent Garden in the company of Lord Hardacre of Wattle. Naturally, 'extras' could be negotiated at any time of day and Esme was particularly skilled in the fine arts of swaddling, schlepping and barking. She is pictured here with Lady Fennell after a stroll around the magnificent gardens of Hecksley Hall and an exhausting fumble in the gazebo. Final words :"Yes, you may."