Putin receives puppy as birthday present from President of Turkmenistan

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/vladimir-putin-puppy-dog-birthday-present-65-russia-president-turkmenistan-gurbanguly-a7995386.html

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Russian president Vladimir Putin has been given another puppy as a gift.

The latest addition to his pack is a Central Asian Shepherd bestowed by the president of Turkmenistan on Wednesday.

Turkmenistan's president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov presented Mr Putin with the puppy as a birthday gift.

Mr Putin, an avid dog lover, turned 65 at the weekend.

Mr Putin cuddled Verny, which is Russian for "loyal", and kissed the pup on the head during a meeting in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Mr Putin previously received a Bulgarian shepherd named Buffy from Bulgaria's premier and an Akita named Yume from a Japanese official.

The Russian leader has also been given horses and even a tiger.

Turkmenistan is a former Soviet republic.

AP