Coastal Dog Watch

Name: Bailey (Bun)
Age: 4 years
Breed: Staffy x kelpie
Disposition: BIG kisser. Loves nothing more than a public display of affection.
Spotted: Bounding down Jan Juc beach.
Defining feature: Spectacular brindle coat, iridescent in fading Byron (afternoon) light.
Rating: 10.5/10

You might have picked this up from the preamble, but Bailey loves to pash. She is a pash rat. Now you might not think that is overwhelmingly remarkable – lots of dogs like to kiss. Lots of dogs love nothing more than big slippery smooches, as often as doggedly possible. What sets Bailey apart is her ability to counteract basic human pash-avoidant behaviour. These moves include, but are not limited to: holding one arm out to establish a barrier, a light hip shimmy to encourage the pooch off its course (particularly useful if the pooch is airborne), and for the disorganised, there is the last-minute head turn. I quickly found, in dealing with Bailey, her tongue is on your face before you have even considered which move you might employ. She has pashed you before you have seen her.

According to owners Flop and Lyall, she was originally a suburban gal from the big smoke named Skye, but has relished and grown emotionally in her seachange/name change/rebirth down the coast.

While she still supports the Bombers (Flop: “Don’t tell her dad”), she loves nothing more than having a sleep in the backyard sun, making sure to lie across all the flowers and vegetables.

As I bid farewell to this happy family of three, Lyall called out and said, “Hey, dog guy”, (I turned back slowly; after a few moments he continued) “Bun is the best thing that ever happened to Flop and I, brother”.

It might have been the fading light, but I believe I saw a solitary tear fall from his left eye.

If you would like to have your pet featured in our Coastal Dog Watch section, please email [email protected].