An Island Off an Island

It’s Sunday morning, I’m lying on the lounge and I’m not feeling very well. Suffice to say, I’m only partially responsible for the way I feel, and that the true culprits are M&D. There is a reason for this state of malaise which I will get to later as it has its root cause in a very special local event.

Yesterday, Saturday, the inaugural Dennes Point Dog Show was held in conjunction with the Anzac Day weekend Dennes Point Market Day. All the Nebraska Beach dog walking fraternity, with a few ring-ins, were encouraged to make an effort to participate in a chaos-inducing parade at the end of the day.

All the dogs were corralled outside the hall and we had a good time re-acquainting ourselves with each other. Anticipation and excitement were high as no one quite knew what was going on. Being dogs we were just living in the moment and enjoying the camaraderie.

Each dog was introduced to the expectant crowd by local celebrity, Steve Abbott (aka The Sandman), after which we promenaded around the stalls in the hall. A brief Q&A with the owners and out the door. Judges were on hand to rate the dogs and their handler’s disposition and style. First prize was conferred on my good mate, Baudin, a rescue greyhound owned by Gerry and Veronica.

I thought that my performance, attitude, and demeanour was of the highest standard, perhaps let down somewhat by my companion, otherwise known as Mum! I sniffed my way around the stalls, stopping to engage with small children and behaved in a way that many people would not expect of a Labrador, i.e. I didn’t whack anyone with my tail, eat food from the floor, or bowl anyone over with my enthusiastic welcomes. Still, I’m gracious enough to acknowledge and endorse the judge’s decisions. All entrants were worthy contestants.

A journalist from the ABC was there to record the event and I did explore the microphone. She later caught up with Mum to talk about my blog writing prowess.

All this brings us back to setting the scene for my current ill health. Mum brought me back to the house so that she could go back to the hall to help clean up. But she was very careless and didn’t close my food cupboard entirely. There was just enough room for me to get my nose in and fully expose all my treats. So when M&D did arrive home some time later they were confronted with one packet of pig’s ears ripped apart and emptied, another packet that I hadn’t managed to open as yet and half of my ‘Baker’s Best’ biscuits gone! I guess even Labradors have limit to their food intake. I must admit that I was asking for my own tea not that long after. M&D were strangely reluctant to oblige.

The whole experience was great fun but while I think celebrity could have its upside, I think I’ll just look forward to meeting my mates on the beach and my next meal!

Cheers

Ruby

PS BIG thanks to Masie’s Dad, Sam Shelley for the amazing photos of us all. He is a legend.