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Stars align in SLDEmmit Graduates At the end of November we travelled to
Fritta Visits the While in
Fritta’s latest task achievement at home has been to tug open the fridge door, retrieve a bottle and then push the door closed with her nose. Farley, the Film Star Farley, being raised by Heather and Steve, was chosen from several Golden Retrievers (after his photo was sent to Here is Heather’s summary of filming day. It was a long day for Farley as he had to be on location from 1:30 p.m., not called on set to do his part until 5:45 p.m. The shade of the surrounding trees was a welcome place to sit as it was a hot day. It was all very secretive with confidentiality agreements signed beforehand. The car was under wraps until we drove (escorted) up to the shooting area. There were two large moving cameras, a crew of about 20, a brand new car to jump in and out of and an unfamiliar male driver, much to Farley’s puzzlement. Farley sat in the back of the 4WD, the actor got out of the front seat, went around to the back of the car and opened the rear hatch. Farley leapt out as if he and his master were going off for a walk in the countryside. Farley was the star for the day! He did exceptionally well with the repeat shoots, loving all the attention and activity. We both look forward to further opportunities with this car company as they are sure to call on us for future shoots throughout the world!!! Gracie’s Update Gracie is now very good at most of the basic training commands. Initially, she had some reluctance to retrieve but has recently figured this out. With her Border Collie genes, she has a natural urge to round things up rather than bring things to you.
Gemma Arrives New puppy-raisers, David and Kim, welcomed Gemma at the Queenstown airport when she returned with Fritta and us after attending Emmit’s graduation. Gemma, a Golden-Lab cross, now almost five months old, joins her huge Saint Bernard ‘brother’ on frequent socialisations out and about in Arrowtown and Queenstown, and when naptime calls she does not have to go far to find a comfy, furry cushion to curl up against. Between naps and playtime with big brother, Gemma is working on her basic commands and good behaviour.
Market Day Once again our puppies were a hit at Market Day, an annual holiday event held on the beautiful Arrowtown Village Green. Festival goers gathered ‘round the MD stall to donate a gold coin for the opportunity to shake a puppy’s paw. When Farley, Fritta, Gracie, and Gemma were not busy being ‘pop stars’ they contentedly hung out in the cool grass, under the shade of the big, maple trees. Thank you to our Southern Lakes District dogs and their raisers for helping us raise funds for Mobility Dogs. A thank you also goes to Ann Bain, festival organizer, who waived the stall fee.
Meet Puppy-Sitter, Kathy
Following is a recent interview with Kathy, pictured here with none less than our film star Farley! How did you become interested in Mobility Dogs? I saw a piece in the Probus newsletter where it mentioned an upcoming Mobility Dogs presentation so I decided to attend the meeting to find out more. What do you enjoy most about puppy-sitting? The great people involved and the fact that I continually meet other interested people. What do you find the biggest challenge? At first Pablo, my Burmese cat and best mate, didn’t understand all these puppy visitors but now he is becoming more relaxed. Is there something humorous you recall while puppy-sitting? If Farley thinks I am taking too long to ‘dress’ him or to get myself ready when he knows we are going to do something interesting, he sits and sighs while he waits patiently. I guess it’s a male thing! What is your experience with animals? We had a dog when I was a child along with two draft horses, a cow and hens. I have always made myself available to walk other people’s dogs which I thoroughly enjoy for the good exercise and certainly for the good company. Kathy is a valuable asset to our Puppy Club. Her willingness to help with the puppies (sometimes on short notice), her patient, gentle handling and sense of humour are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Kathy! Until next time, we wish you all... ....a warm and fuzzy New Year filled with lots of happy moments spent with furry (and non-furry) family and friends.
Judy and Grant
Posted: Mon 11 Jan 2010 |
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The SLD puppy club could not get along without our reliable pool of puppy-sitters and a sitter we frequently call on is Kathy. Having lived in Queenstown for over 40 years, Kathy has extensive knowledge about the area and enjoys taking the dogs on a variety of outings. When the dogs stay with her, they certainly don’t suffer from boredom as they don their working clothes and off they go with Kathy to the aquarium at the Queenstown pier, on a wander around the airport, for a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the Earnslaw vintage steamship or on the Million Dollar boat, a bus ride on the local transportation system or a gondola ride to the Skyline restaurant for the buffet lunch. 