Pawsome Pursuit for Australia’s Canine Sporting Legends, Everyday Heroes, Most Talented, Oldest And Hardest Working Dogs Register interest now, entries open 22 April 2024 Have you got a dog who stands out from the pack with their unique talents, sporting prowess, community service and hard work? Or could your senior pooch take the reins from Bluey the Australian Cattle Dog to hold the official Guinness World Records ‘Oldest Dog’ title? Registrations of Interest are now open for the inaugural The Dog Down Under competition 2024 with a total prize pool of more than $28,000 up for grabs!  The Dog Down Under campaign is hosted by Lara Shannon, leading Australian dog expert and creator and host of Channel 10’s Pooches at Play and 7TWO’s Animal SOS Australia. Shannon will travel the country to meet with the finalists and winners from each of the five categories and share their stories in a five-part TV series to air on Ch 10 in September 2024. “I am so excited to hear about the amazing tales of courage, dedication, athletic skills and tireless work of our canine companions and to share their heart-warming stories with Australia on our social media and later this year on TV,” she says. “We urge Australians to nominate their dogs, or dogs they know, into one or more of the five award categories, helping us find dogs who deserve recognition for their sporting achievements, special skills or talents, those who are actively impacting and preserving human lives, as well as Australia’s oldest living dog.” It’s widely acknowledged and supported by research, including recent findings from Konkuk University (South Korea)*, that dogs have a profound positive impact on our well-being.  “Our dogs make us feel good by reducing both our mental and physical stress, promoting relaxation and even boosting our memories. Not to mention their innate sixth sense and scent detection skills to pick up when we are sick or in need of help!” says Shannon. “That’s why I felt it was so important to create not only a competition, but also start a movement that helps to share all of the wonderful ways dogs benefit our lives.”COMPETITION CATEGORIESMOST TALENTED - From talking with buttons to excelling at a trick’s routine, playing an instrument, to ‘singing’ their favourite song and more, could your pooch take out the title of Australia’s most talented dog?   EVERYDAY HEROES - From wrangling Snakes to saving Koalas from fire, detecting disease and seizures, to raising the alarm of trouble, there are many tales of heroic dogs that have saved lives, even at the cost of their own, and we want to hear their story.  HARDEST WORKING - From hardworking herders to faithful flock guardians, police dogs and four-legged heroes going to war, to canines helping people in need. This category is for those dogs with jobs that go above and beyond the call of duty.  SPORTING LEGENDS - From obedience trials to agility and flyball, dock jumping and disc dogs, sheepdog trials, sled dog racing and much more, this category is for the canine sports stars that are ready to impress with their athletic prowess and sporting attitude to life.  OLDEST - Have you got Australia’s oldest dog? Could they even take over the World’s Oldest Dog title? One finalist will be nominated for each size category -Miniature/Toy/Small, Medium, Large & Giant Breed - with the oldest dog across all categories earning the crown.  Ten Finalists – including one Overall Winner - will be chosen for each category, except Oldest Dog. One finalist will be nominated for each of the Oldest Dog size categories: Miniature/Toy/Small, Medium, Large & Giant Breed - with the oldest dog across all categories earning the Overall Winner’s title.IMPORTANT DATESDog lovers can register their interest now, with entries officially opening 22 April 2024 and closing 20 May 2024.    Finalists for each category will be announced from 4 June and Winners announced from 9 June 2004. The Dog Down Under TV Series will be aired on Channel 10 from 7 September 2024. To enter your dog (you can enter more than one dog) visit www.thedogdownunder.com.au Follow The Dog Down Under on FACEBOOK and Instagram @thedogdownunderoz THANK YOUThe Dog Down Under Sponsors helping to recognise and reward Australia’s legendary dogs include Major Partner Petstock and Category Sponsors Antinol (Sporting Legends), Big Dog Pet Foods (Oldest Dog), Credelio Plus (Everyday Heroes), Buddy & Belle (Hardest Working) and Vitapet (Most Talented).

By Kerry GeenI think it’s fair to say most pets certainly found the silver lining of the pandemic. Pets cherished the increased attention that came with the confinement which came with lockdowns, spending most waking hours alongside their pet parents.But there was a downside.Covid changed the dynamic of social interactions both with other dogs and other humans, leaving many pups without crucial socialisation opportunities.Now that pet parents have returned to their offices and workspaces we are seeing the lingering effects of this time, with an increased number of pets left suffering from anxiety. Meet Prince Prince is a 4-year-old French Bulldog who is full of beans and extremely loving and cuddly. Prince, like many pets post Covid, experienced distress when his parents left the house. This progressively built into a state of anxiety and fear which was not healthy for Prince or his parents. Toto & Otis, along with his parents Sarah and Trinity, have worked with Prince over the last three months to gently improve his condition through weekly doggy daycare, increasing his interaction with different humans and puppies alike. The combination of gradual social exposure in a low stress environment, short separation exercises rewarded with positive reinforcement and loads of fun and stimulation have significantly benefited Prince, with a remarkable shift in his anxiety levels. Sarah recounts a time where she couldn’t go to the top of the drive to move her car without Prince getting upset, now she happily reports his newfound calmness.Whilst there’s more work ahead, overall were delighted with the progress we’ve seen so far in This Sweet Little Pocket Rocket.  

Dog Friendly Spaces Survey Council has released a new survey to assist in developing a Companion Animals Management Plan, which includes a Dog-Friendly Spaces Strategy. The Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy is intended to achieve the following objectives:Balancing Needs: strike a balance between the needs of dog owners and the broader community for accessible and safe public spacesEquitable Distribution: identify gaps in off-leash dog areas and ensure fair distribution across our Municipality.Future Planning: planning for off-leash areas in alignment with anticipated population growth and trends in dog ownershipCouncil invites all locals and residents to complete the survey and have their say on the matter. To complete the survey and have your voice heard, follow this link - www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/dogsinpublicspaces Printed copies of the survey are also available at Councils Customer Service Centre as well as Kiama and Gerringong Libraries. Manager Environment and Compliance Julie Milevski said the views of our community and those who visit our Municipality were critical in shaping the future of our public spaces for people as well as their furry companions."As Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the world, with half of them being dogs, so creating inclusive and enjoyable public spaces for dogs and their owners is an important part of our work as a local council,” Ms Milevski said.  “To ensure we develop a Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy that meets the needs of our community, whether dog owners or not, we need our community to share their experiences and expectations at the start of this process.”The survey will remain open until 22 March 2024. 

Nestled on the vibrant Collins Street, a new haven for pet enthusiasts is about to open its doors - Flinders Pet Store. Behind this venture is Justine Wallis, a working mum with a heart for animals and a vision for providing top-tier Australian made pet products and services.Justine, accompanied by her two lovable cavoodles, Peppy and Flynn, is not only a dedicated parent but also a compassionate volunteer, actively involved in rescuing birds. Post covid, Justine had recognised a growing need for dog boarding, as many people who had bought furry companions were now back to work and travelling. So two years ago, she started her dog boarding service from home which led to creating more products, a brand, market stalls and now the store frontage opening in the heart of Kiama. The journey to opening the store is as heartwarming as the products they offer. It started with a casual conversation at a local market between Justine and the owner of 'Furry and Fabulous,' the predecessor at the same location. The owner mentioned the sale of the store, sparking a chain of events that culminated in Justine taking over the business in just two weeks, right before Christmas!Justine's commitment to quality and care is evident. Following the creation of their Facebook page, the store expanded its reach, connecting with local creators to feature unique products. One noteworthy product includes snuffle pillows, crafted by a talented lady in Fig Tree. The store is also currently on the lookout for a skilled dog groomer to join their passionate team.Mark your calendars for the grand opening on March 16th, promising a day of festivities. From balloon dogs and face painting to an abundance of pooch treats, the event will celebrate the joy that pets bring to community life.Flinders Pet Store also extends its services beyond retail. They offer dog boarding in Shellharbour, providing a home away from home for your furry friends. Specialising in small dogs, their selective approach ensures a safe and caring environment for all their guests. Their new home on Collins street will also offer all your dog grooming services so make sure to book in early!Justine's commitment to Australian-owned products and support for local creators is evident in every corner of the Pet Store. Their extensive array of products includes food toppers, lick bowls, toys, specialty pet mugs, treats, and more. The store operates with the mantra "Flinders Pet: Where Quality and Care Come First," offering premium dog products, top-tier boarding, and quality grooming services tailored for the well-being of your furry friends.Stay connected with Justine and Flinders Pet Store through their website (flinderspet.com.au) and Facebook page. Whether you're shopping online or popping into their store at 24 Collins St, Kiama, Flinders Pet Store invites you to spoil your furry friend with the finest in quality and care.We have a prize from the store for the best pet story to launch our new Pawspective column. Email [email protected]

Yuri, a beloved local Labrador, is well known to the people of Gerringong. It has become a local sensation for his penchant for dressing up. Often mistaken for the guide dog donation statue, Yuri's love for donning various costumes, especially during Halloween and Christmas, has added a touch of whimsy to the community.On his Instagram page, Yuri showcases his festive ensembles and embraces any excuse for a wardrobe change throughout the year. His owner and companion, Nick D’Amico, recently received an outpouring of positive messages on the Gerringong Community Page, highlighting the resemblance between Yuri and the guide dog-shaped donation box that once stood for years at Gerringong IGA.In a throwback photo shared by Nick, Yuri is seen posing alongside a stack of Bugle Newspapers, adding a quirky element to the scene. Nick recalled amusing instances when passersby would mistake Yuri for a statue and attempt to insert coins into his head, only to be surprised by the realisation that Yuri is a real dog.Although the featured photo is approximately two years old, it continues to elicit great responses, showcasing Yuri's enduring popularity. For more glimpses of Yuri's entertaining wardrobe, check out his Instagram profile @yuriooch.

If you want help, get a dog.There is increasing evidence, both anecdotally locally in Kiama and in data collection, that Psychiatric Assistance Dogs are saving lives of people suffering from depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions in Australia. Those experiencing these conditions often endure extreme levels of anxiety and pain that are not well managed by medication or by police and mental health team interventions or being institutionalised.However, it seems that getting a dog is effective in drastically improving their quality of life, a sentiment echoed by most local dog owners.However psychiatric assistance or support dogs are trained to an elite level and are clearly identifiable by their vests.A psychiatric assistance dog (PAD) is a service dog trained to assist its handler (owner) who has been diagnosed with a mental health condition such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder or bipolar disorder. All the dogs wear a service vest, making them identifiable to the public, police, and hospitals.Despite its effectiveness, the program is not well understood, and there are only limited places available. Since its establishment in 2011, mindDog has enabled only around 2,000 client/dog teams across the country.Daniel, a well-known Kiama resident and contributor to the Kiama Community Page, credits his psychiatric support dog, Kippa, trained through mindDog, with improving his quality of life. Kippa has helped him avoid life-threatening situations and manage his encounters with police, ambulances, and mental health response teams in a positive and much less confrontational manner.Kippa and Daniel at the harbourThere is an increasing waiting list for the dogs, which require two years of training and accreditation for public spaces, costing up to $60,000 each.Boat, a retired Australian Border Force trainer, copes with his PTSD from trauma he received in his career with his cat, Bandit. He has found it hard to gain acceptance in ACT and NSW that a cat can be a psychiatric support animal, but Bandit is accepted for train travel in NSW and Queensland. Bandit is NSW and ACT’s first registered Assistance Cat. They have an Instagram at banditandboat.Bandit of bandit and boatOne common frustration for people having an assistance dog in public places is the lack of recognition of their right to enter places where dogs are not normally allowed, similar to guide dogs for the blind. This right of entry is protected by the Federal Discrimination Act of 1992. The proprietor is allowed to ask for documentation, but all assistance animals have a jacket with branding identifying which organisation they have been attained and accredited with.Black Dog Institute research shows that people with psychiatric assistance dogs have an increasing quality of life, which includes significant improvements in social anxiety and fewer acts of self-harm. This research suggests companion animals can be a catalyst for several dimensions of public social interaction, as someone with a pet is seen as non-threatening, and it is an easy icebreaker to greet the pet, directly combating the sense of social isolation many with mental health issues experience.In a recent survey of one-third of participants with mindDog, every single respondent expressed that the relationship has positive mental health benefits and all with very real improvements. The decrease in service use was mainly due to reduced suicide attempts and less requirement for hospitalisation and medication; increased use was mainly due to enhanced ability to attend appointments.Tasks the dogs performed for their owners included the reduction of anxiety through tactile stimulation (94%); nudging/pawing to bring back to the present (71%); interrupting undesirable behavior (51%); constant body contact (50%); deep pressure stimulation (45%), and blocking contact from other people (42%). PAD usage decreased (46%), increased (30%), or did not change (24%) participants' use of psychiatric or other health care services. Results of this study show that PAD owners have differing mental health diagnoses, and their dogs perform different tasks to support them in daily life. Every participant described the relationship with his/her PAD as positive, suggesting that a successful working partnership does not require the dog to have been bred or raised specifically for the role.mindDog oversees the training of and certifies psychiatric assistance dogs across Australia. The Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 (The Act) guarantees the rights of all assistance dogs and their handlers.mindDog mindDog, in the material provided to The Bugle, describes their mission and role of a PAD as follows:"We allow the dog to organically develop his own strategies for helping his handler. This may include things like:- Interrupting self-harm- Waking from night terrors- Distraction during panic attacks/fugue states- Alert to seizures or manic episodes- Hallucination discernment- Blocking- Anger interruption and distraction- Initiating social interactionAs each mindDog client is unique, so are their diagnoses and symptoms. Thus, the strategies each dog develops to assist their handler are also unique."How we change lives:Although the effect on an individual depends on their diagnosis, clients consistently report:- Greater confidence- The ability to leave their homes- Use public transport- Go shopping- Social interaction- Improved sleep- Reduced dependence on medication.Do you think your pet has a major positive effect in your life? Let us know and send us your story for the chance to win a pooch prize.  

Spot the Dog grooming salon is looking for a new owner - it’s on the market. Val is very sad to be saying goodbye to her clients (and their owners) but the time has come in her life to move on to new adventures. She is particularly excited that someone else will get to enjoy the rewards of working for themselves, and with animals, in a thriving, well established business. Every day, and every dog, is different. Val says, “It really has been a joyous way to earn a living for the last 15 years”.Val at Spot the Dog GroomersVal fell into dog grooming quite by accident, having just relocated to Kiama from Sydney. She had been working in the film and television industry in various aspects of costume. “I loved the creative side of the work but not the inconsistency of employment,” Val reveals.Just after her move, she ended up caring for a friend’s dog while she was in hospital for an extended period of time, and it was in desperate need of a groom. Val bought some clippers from the op shop and launched in, and then found that she was a natural. Val enthuses, “I was thrilled that I could now combine my love of animals with my creative skills.”She never imagined she would be running a dog grooming salon, but it has allowed her a wonderful sense of belonging and connection to this great community, supporting local charities and providing employment. Val adds, “I have been blessed with reliable and hard-working staff and enjoyed mentoring many people over the years.”Clients have appreciated the reliability and consistency offered by Spot the Dog salon and the convenience of the shopping centre in Kiama Downs with its easy parking.People often ask Val if she has a favourite breed of dog, but she always responds that “it’s the one that’s in front of me” but if she really had to choose, she’d have to say puppies do melt her heart.Val says that she will really miss the ongoing relationship with the owners and the dogs, seeing them regularly hearing their news and dog antics. “It’s been an honour sharing tears and sadness when their dogs pass and a joy meeting and grooming their new family members,” Val says. In the meantime, Val advises, “Remember brushing your dog is more important than washing.”  It’s business as usual at Spot the Dog whilst she awaits interest from prospective new owners. All enquiries Valerie Evans 02 4237 8075.

A Skye Terrier named Mac Jagger is becoming well-known in the Kiama area. He walks regularly with his owners, Joan and Ross Hughes, and with his -co-parents, neighbours Karen and Paul. He creates such interest amongst passers by just as his namesake Mick Jagger would if he was walking around Kiama. Named after the Scottish Isle of Skye, Skye Terriers are an endangered breed in the UK. Queen Victoria owned some and Mary Queen of Scots was purported to have had one under her skirt when she went to the gallows. Skye Terriers were bred for vermin control and although Mac has short legs, he is a fast runner which is useful for chasing vermin off the property. He loves vigorous play time with other dogs who run. Sadly, he rarely catches them. Mac’s owners bought him from a breeder in NSW and he has been a real magnet of interest wherever he goes. Joan said, “People ask about him all the time, what kind of breed he is, and where we got him from. He is a great conversation starter, for sure. Many people don’t know us, but they know our dog.”People are often confused when they see Mac out with Karen and Paul remarking, “Oh there is another dog in Kiama just like this one”. One day, a visitor to Kiama came up to Ross and said, ‘I’ve seen this dog in Rose Bay!’ Ross explained that it’s because they live part-time in Rose Bay. Mac’s human companions - all 4 of them - are regular walkers with the Heart Foundation daily walkers. Keen observers might have noticed him in the photo accompanying the recent Bugle article about the walking group. Watch out for Mac around Kiama and be sure to say ‘Hello’. He’s a friendly chap, just like his owners. 

In a fascinating new study that sheds light on the intricate interactions between wildlife and domestic pets, researchers from Victoria University have uncovered intriguing insights into the behaviour of birds around dogs in different leash conditions. The findings provide valuable implications for local dog owners and bird populations right here in our own backyard in Kiama.The research, conducted in Melbourne parks, centred around observing the reactions of magpie-larks when encountering both leashed and unleashed dogs. What makes this study particularly interesting is that both sets of dogs were well-behaved and accompanied by their owners. The results revealed a compelling pattern: birds exhibited distinct behaviours depending on whether the dogs were on or off-lead.The study found that magpie-larks walked away from leashed dogs but chose to take flight when encountering unleashed ones. This distinction in response indicates that birds possess an innate ability to discern the presence of a leash and its significance. The researchers suggest that this innate recognition of leashed dogs could be attributed to the predictability and controlled behaviour associated with being on a leash.Importantly, this research carries profound implications for the protection of bird populations, especially during crucial periods such as breeding, nesting, or migration. The intense fear behaviour exhibited by the birds in the presence of unleashed dogs can pose a threat to their survival, hindering these important life stages. By adhering to leash laws, dog owners can contribute to the well-being of local bird species, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between man's best friend and the diverse avian inhabitants of Kiama's natural surroundings.With Australia boasting one of the highest rates of dog ownership globally and approximately six million pet dogs nationwide, responsible dog ownership becomes essential for the preservation of local wildlife. The leash regulations in Australia are among the strictest globally, reflecting the nation's commitment to environmental conservation. Nonetheless, the issue of compliance remains a challenge, as highlighted by Dr. Roan Plotz, one of the researchers involved in the study. Dr Plotz emphasises the importance of raising awareness about the impact of unleashed dogs on bird populations, urging dog owners to better understand the potential dangers their pets may pose.As Kiama boasts its own unique blend of natural beauty and diverse birdlife, these findings offer a unique opportunity for local residents to play an active role in safeguarding our feathered friends. By adhering to leash laws and ensuring our dogs are under control, we can pave the way for a more peaceful coexistence between the avian world and our canine companions. This research is a reminder that even seemingly small actions can have a significant impact on preserving the delicate balance of our local ecosystem.