Proof Of Putin’s Puppy Love. But Will He Stop The Cull?

International media is erupting with cries against Sochi's inhumane stray dog cull, and many are calling on Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to end the city-wide extermination. And they may just be barking up the right tree -- Putin is known for his love of dogs, and been photographed with pups many times. His beloved black lab, Koni, is often seen at his side -- during staff meetings or even when Putin is greeting world leaders.

Once at a press conference, when answering a question about whether he gets in bad moods on occasion, Putin responded, ""In those situations I try to consult with my dog Koni, who gives me good advice."

In another anecdote, the Prime Minister was asked to submit a photo for his accreditation badge at the World Economic Forum. His administration replied by sending a photo of Putin sitting in an armchair next to a fireplace with Koni lying by his side.

When Putin met the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, Koni was there, too -- coincidentally in Sochi. Merkel is reported to have expressed that she is afraid of dogs.

Koni has met other dignitaries, as well, including British Prime Minister Tony Blair:

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi:

And President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko:

Koni really took to Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman-cosmonaut in space:

Putin has other dogs, too -- here he is playing with "Buffy" and "Yume" at his residence Novo-Ogariovo, outside Moscow.

Once at a press conference, when answering a question about whether he gets in bad moods on occasion, Putin responded, ""In those situations I try to consult with my dog Koni, who gives me good advice."

And he's a friend to dogs whom he doesn't own, too. Here's Putin petting a police dog at a border checkpoint in Belarus:

Playing badminton with the Russian President's dog, Aldu:

And petting a dog at Bush family house at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, Maine, as former U.S. President George H.W. Bush looks on:

Putin gave a big hug to a Hungarian 'Puli' dog owned by Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany:

And with a cute pug in the the village of Verkhniye Mondrogi, while on vacation:

You can go here to find out everything you can do to help Sochi's stray dogs, and put pressure on Prime Minister Putin to help.