The memorial stone to Sir Richard Whittington ( the Dick Whittington of legend ) on Highgate Hill is being renovated for the first time in 77 years . The work is being done by Mr E Hillier , a stone mason whose father carried out the only other repairs ever made to the stone . All the time he is working Mr Hillier ' s dog , Ethel , is perched on his shoulder . Photo shows ; Mr W Hillier renovating the Dick Whittington stone with Ethel on his shoulder . 12 February 1935