Natalia Antipova
Prime Minster Vladimir Putin's black Labrador, Connie, is hooked up to satellites, specifically the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS).
The GLONASS signal will completely cover all of Russia by the end of the year, while receiver-navigators will be readily available to anyone. Meanwhile Prime Minster Putin's Labrador, Connie, received a tracking collar containing a satellite-guided positioning receiver from Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov this week.
"The GLONASS project has seen some significant positive changes of late. As we have reported earlier, three new satellites have been deployed. An orbital launch of three more is planned for the end of the year. Then we can say with confidence that all of Russia will be completely covered 24 hours a day by a GLONASS signal," Mr Ivanov said.
"20,000 receiver-navigators are currently in civilian use and 15,000 were procured for the Ministry of Defence," he said.
"This technology has a practical use in almost all economic applications. It is now common in the modern world," chief designer Yury Urlichich joined the conversation.
Urlichich said the GLONASS system can be used for commercial, technical, scientific and personal purposes. It can, for example, track a dangerous cargo shipment, or an endangered species or even pets. Personal navigators for mushroom pickers and hunters will also be available (though, so far it is difficult to buy GLONASS receivers. - Izvestia)
"Can I use it for my dog?" quipped Mr Putin.
"Yes. I must admit that I am a bit late with my promise to give Connie the collar this summer. Honestly it was ready, but I didn't have a chance to meet with you and Connie. Nevertheless, we are ready to demonstrate it today. We can fit it, and test it now," said Mr Ivanov.
"Good, I see the receiver isn't heavy. Here Connie! They brought you a present," called Mr Putin to his Labrador.
Mr Ivanov said, "There is the only collar of its type in the world. When the dog is still, does not move, lying in a puddle, for example..."
"My dog is not a piglet, she doesn't lie in puddles," retorted Mr Putin.
"Well, in a forest," Mr Ivanov quickly corrected. "Then the collar's battery would switch itself off, thereby conserving power."
Here Mr Putin put the collar on Connie.
"So sad: the life of freedom has come to an end" Mr Ivanov sighed.
"Don't you like it? She likes it. She's wagging her tail, that means she likes it," said Mr Putin.
