Reindeer follows owner around 'like a dog'

LONDON, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A London man who attracted attention for Christmas shopping with an 8-year-old reindeer in tow said he raised the animal from a baby.

Gordon Elliott said he has raised Dobbey the reindeer since the animal was unable to feed from its mother as a baby and the animal has since accompanied him on buses, trains and trips to his favorite pub, the Daily Mail reported Tuesday.

"We developed a strong bond and now he will follow me round just like a dog," said Elliott, who has a farm with 12 reindeer.

Elliott said he has been taking Dobbey with him on Christmas shopping trips.

"We get lots of people staring. I guess a reindeer is a bit of a strange sight wandering around the town center," he said. "It's a bit of a squeeze getting him into the cab. I open the door and he just jumps in. I put him on a lead and take him for walks down the high street and we go to the burger bar or the pub."