Boardwalk Su-paw-star
Living up to a name is one thing, however it is Sage’s reputation in front of the pup-arazzi, that’s kept her in the spotlight, enthuses Helen Flanagan.
Intelligence, loyalty and drive are renowned traits of the Border Collie, so not surprisingly an eight-week-old tri-colour blue merle – discovered at a breeders and vets in Far North Queensland – proved to be an irresistible choice for paramedic Dan Bleicher. Sage is a big smooch, loved by Dan, his partner Danielle Madden and his parents. She goes everywhere with them, seeks attention along the way, and pulls the lead for pats and cuddles from strangers.
“Sage was two when we started obedience training followed by tricks,” explained Dan, a paramedic for Queensland Ambulance.
“First off, the frisbee, then agility and the favourite, jumping onto my feet and balancing on the soles.
“I really enjoy training and the intense bond between us; being a paramedic, it is a wonderful stress reliever.
“Border Collies thrive on tasks and having a purpose. When we started ad hoc performances on the boardwalk of Noosa Main Beach, I quickly realised just how much joy she brought to tourists and locals, and she has become a huge hit over the years.
“I’ve had parents here on a return holiday tell me how their kids were looking forward to seeing Sage again, and how it made their time here extra special. There’s so many big smiles, much cheering and lots of treats, especially cheese, her favourite.”
Sage, now 12, enjoyed her surfing dog years and being the centre of attention on the beach, but these days it’s more about shootin’ the breeze and taking in all the smells from Dan’s motorbike, cossetted in a special fur-rari-style backpack.
“What a load of fun seeing people taking photos and waving as we drive down Hastings Street!” Dan added.
Her diet is high-quality natural dog food with no fillers, a snack of carrots, and certainly no junk. However, the onset of arthritis and back problems, which started about two years ago, including a bulging disc in her lower back, most likely caused by excessive frisbee leaping, meant a few changes to Sage’s routine. She stays active, uses supplements such as turmeric and rose hip, and has regular healing sessions with Danielle, who is trained in a specialised therapy called Renew Body Therapy, used on humans as well as animals.
“It has made a dramatic difference to Sage’s condition. No-one likes to see their beloved dog in pain and this treatment really has made a world of difference!” Dan explains.
“We have learned to manage the injury in her retirement by limiting her fetching, and no more jumping and tricks. It’s whistles and commands for sitting pretty, shaking for treats, and the beach is still heaven, but only for walks.
“I recommend a Border Collie to anyone who wants an extremely rewarding breed. Yes, they are high energy, require training, lots of attention, regular exercise, and are best not left at home alone, but grooming is low maintenance; just a brushing from time to time.
“They respond to far more than most people are capable of teaching them and want to accompany you absolutely everywhere.”
Check out @sagebark on Instagram for more of Sage’s paw-some fame!
