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Sadly, we have recently had to say goodbye to Rosie, our much loved dog. At around 16 she’d had a good innings, but over the last year her mobility was greatly resticted, and her quality of life deteriorated.

Rosie a rescue dog was very much my daughter’s until she moved out of home. My daughter moved but the dog didn’t!

Why Rosie was abandoned we have no idea. She was impeccably trained for a “Heinz 57” varieties. Perhaps she just strayed one day and then couldn’t find her way back. Very much our good fortune but a pity for the person who trained her.

In early 2010 my 2 daughters and my favourite person went to the Animal Welfare League (AWL) to see if there was a suitable dog to join our family. My daughter says Rosie picked herself. She was her dog and very much not mine! Infact, she was quite aggressive to me which was of great concern, as we had been told that she’d already been returned to the AWL, so the next return meant she would be put down. Aggression towards me or not that wasn’t going to happen.

Fortunately through my sister, we were able to find someone to give us advice on how to sort our her problem with me and for that matter men more generally.

Once that was solved she was just the most wonderful dog. Hugely protective of the family and much loved by all.

Initially when we lived in the suburbs she had the backyard, but when we moved into an apartment in the city, it was necessary to take her for walks a few times a day. That task fell largely to me, particularly when I retired from full time work. It was not a hardship, nor were long walks at our beach house. 

As a tribute to our dog, I thought I would update a draft of a post I started a couple of years ago. A Sunday walk at Second Valley with its rolling hills,  small beach and delightful jetty making it a wonderful place to walk, and with Rosie it was always better.

With so few cars and people, it also provided an opportunity for Rosie  to be allowed off her lead while we were out walking, so she could sniff and explore on her own. 

On one occasion she took it a bit far sneaking off when the backdoor was open and took herself off to the beach. After a frantic search we found her walking back from the beach completely unconcerned. 

On other occasions we’ve explored the hills where Rosie disturbed the odd snake.  There were days when she was startled by a kangaroo or puzzled by sheep and cows. There were others when we would just go for a long walk and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Rosie our much loved dog will be greatly missed.