Three special dogs

Here are our three dogs running out of the surf at Pottsville Beach in Northern NSW.

Last out of the water is Archie, whom we adopted from Coldstream Animal Aid at 11 months of age. He had been surrendered in Bairnsdale for “persistent puppy-like behaviour”. Yes, well.... he’s a cocker spaniel after all!

In the middle is Stella, adopted from the RSPCA age 9 weeks as a cocker spaniel cross. Hmmmmm....... maybe not but she runs like the wind and has the sweetest disposition possible. We love these two dearly and they are the best of mates.

For the past few years we’ve taken them to Pottsville beach where annually we’ve rented a dog-friendly house right near the beach. Next door last year there was a sad, silent black dog who was left on his own for days on end. (How to ruin a good holiday!) We worried about him endlessly and finally tracked down his owner who had taken work in Brisbane and couldn’t take the dog with him. Well, what’s a girl to do!

Yes, Barney came to live with us and now we have three dogs. It took Barney a long time to see us packing up the car and believe that he was coming too! Their greatest mutual love is the beach where we take them regularly and we get the greatest joy out of seeing them, 3 rescue dogs, living the happiest lives possible.

Gaby and Philip G.
Montmorency, Victoria

Evie plays fetch

We recently ran a competition in our newsletter asking for videos of pets with a special talent. We received this great video of Evelyn (Evie) playing fetch!

You won't believe it but Evie is only 6 months old! We think she's pretty talented. Thanks to Samuel for sending this in!

Daisy [1995-2010]

After a call to the Fund for Animals, we had come to meet a 14-month-old Golden Labrador. It couldn't be this large (extremely overweight) white dog galumping towards us! No preconceptions on her part though - she adopted us on the spot.

Daisy had never been allowed inside a house, but learned about toilet training very quickly. Not so quickly the fact that everything within reach on the coffee table wasn't a toy to grab and run away with!

An appropriate diet (on advice from Allambie Vet) soon resulted in a new, trim and healthy girl, as her coat changed from white to the most beautiful cafe latte hue.

Daisy gave us (and cat Sammy) her love and companionship for the next 13 years. She was diabetic for the last of her 14-1/2 years, and presented herself for twice daily injections with her usual trust and stoicism. It was with the same loving acceptance that she seemed to understand when the time came to say goodbye.

Thank you for choosing us, Daisy.

A little dog with a big job

I would like to tell people all about Luigi, the little dog with a big job. Luigi is an Assistance Dog. His job is to let me know before I get sick and to take action to assist me during a medical crisis.

Luigi has saved my life. He is trained to get help for me at the gym, to pick things up off the floor and pass them to me, to guide me through crowds and around poles, to find the car and lots of other things to help keep me safe and living an independent life.

Luigi goes on lots of adventures many other dogs would never get to go on, becuase like a Guide Dog, Luigi comes everywhere with me at all times. If you would like to hear more about Luigi's adventures please check out his website: www.luigidog.info

Bridie goes to school

My dog Bridie is a school dog. She comes to school with me every day!

The children are taught how to behave around dogs and they get to throw the ball and play with Bridie during lunch and play breaks.

She spends her day in the classrooms or under my desk. She also gets into the staff photos and on the staff board.

We love her being at school and she gives all those who come into contact with her a great deal of pleasure.