In the beginning .......

I have always had pets.  My Mother and Father had a dog when I was born.  He was a bitser called Baldy. I think Dad found him and brought him home.  Once Baldy went missing for a week or so and we thought he'd come to a sticky end, then one evening he turned up at the door.  His feet were bloody and we always thought someone had taken him but he had found his way back. 

               Maxi   

Over the years there was a steady procession of dogs, rabbits, budgies and goldfish.  When I married in 1970 I had a corgi called Sansy.  I had to leave him with Mum mad Dad because my husband was a farmer and thought Sandy and sheep probably wouldn't mix too well.  I hated leaving him but he was well looked after by Mum.

We had another series of dogs, kelpies, one in particular we called Tracey because she was born around the time Cyclone Tracey hit.  Anyway, when my girls were little we got Tip a wonderful black kelpie/German Shepherd.  He was a great companion. Then we got Maxi a Chihaha/Jack Russell. She was a real character.  She'd lie on Tip's back on our verandah and watch.  When someone or a dog had the audacity to pass by she'd bark and Tip would run down and clear the six foot fence.  He had no intention of attacking anyone.