Every Dog has it’s Day
Did you hear the tale about a famous politician who was introduced to a dog with same name? Helen Flanagan explains the ruff news.
Originally a Scottish breed, Golden Retrievers are characterised by their stunning coats, intelligence, loyalty and gentle affectionate nature. Not surprisingly, the much beloved family dog breed was awarded third place for Most Popular Dog Breeds for 2022.
Paws-tively agreeing with fervent tail swishes is Kevin, who after a considerable search was chosen by local business identity Sue Willis, primarily as an assistance dog for her daughter Olivia, aged 13. She had always wanted the roly-poly dog from the toilet paper ad.
“The little bundle of joy brought comfort and laughter to a home dealing with sadness and change,” Sue explains.
“He slept alongside Olivia each night and as a result we created a very anxious dog! A dog psychologist, who I called in desperation, told us Kevin’s job was to comfort, and in so doing he was absorbing all of our worries.
“So, 12 years later this fluffy absolute angel has gone from anxious to happy and calm, back to anxious but most of all, has supported us through life’s ups and downs.”
When Kevin joined the family, he had to contend with the boss of the house, a beautiful ragdoll cat who he loved – and who eventually loved him back after many whacks to put him in his place.
“She died recently, he pines for her, and we miss some of the funniest, most delightful things, such as watching tennis on television with both heads turning left to right, right to left in unison. Hilarious,” recalls Sue.
Kevin went to puppy school which Sue highly recommends for all breeds.
“Golden retrievers are gentle souls, very easy to train, smile when happy and eager to please when we arrive home by retrieving his favourite toy and offering it with love,” she shares.
Kevin adores his family, ‘golden friends’ Ika and Connie, and of course water.
“On a friend’s farm at Black Mountain, he went for a swim in a very grubby dam about 500m from the house,” Sue recalls. “It took me hours to get the stink out of him, and after all the ‘pampering’ he was so pleased with himself.
“He also likes boating on the Noosa River, ‘owning’ a sandbank, playing with any old stick, the bigger the better and lies in water to rest, rather than sand, like other dogs.
“He’s very good with his ‘business’ and goes on command; Chicken and cheese are favourite naughty treats; regular diet is good quality kibble; and no point giving him a bone, he’ll just bury it and offer a stinky present later.”
Many local dog walkers recognise Kevin at numerous breakfast spots, or at dog-friendly Seasons where great service includes water for him and excellent cocktails for Sue.
One afternoon, sometime residents of Sunshine Beach Kevin Rudd and his wife Therese Rein were at the next table.
Sue and her friends were about to be joined by Olivia who had struck up a conversation with the former Prime Minister, who naturally asked how su-pawstar Kevin got his name.
Sue recalls the actual story happened when she was heading News Corp’s North Queensland business during a momentous time in politics.
“The Honourable Kevin Rudd had rolled Julia Gillard in 2013, and every front page in the Townsville Bulletin was emblazoned with his golden locks, toothy smile and headlines to match,” she recalls. “After weeks of me ‘coaching’ our new puppy to sit and wee, interjecting many times with ‘naughty Kevin, Kevin wait, Kevin stop’, and finally so frustrated, I said to Olivia, he is ‘dumb as dog shit and never listens’.”
Back at Season, it was a round of a-paws for Olivia’s take on the tale, which amused Therese but Mr Rudd not so much.
Must have been barking mad!
