In association with our good friends at DogHQ each month we meet Shore people whose four-legged family members add a great deal of joy to their lives. Our very own dog-lover Aidan Bennett loves the task of putting this monthly feature together. This month he talks with Anne-Marie de Jong about Sid the English Bull Terrier who loves going to Dog HQ.
AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Sid been part of your life?
ANNE-MARIE DE JONG: Nine years, since he was a pup.
AB: What made you decide to get a this breed?
AMDJ: Sid is our 4th English Bull Terrier, and we love them. They are known as the clowns of the dog family, fiercely loyal and loving.
AB: Is he your first dog, if not tell us about your other dogs?
AMDJ: I have had dogs all my life, most of my dogs have been rescue dogs (Sid is one of the few who is not). I had a crossbred black dog as a child with the rather inappropriate name of Blackie, then another crossbred black and white dog named Niki. I adopted a german shepherd from the Wellington pound and when I came to Auckland I adopted two rescue bull terriers from the pound in Manukau, and have loved them ever since.
AB: Do you have any other pets?
AMDJ: We have three cats, four goats, eight sheep and four chickens.
AB: What do you love about Sid?
AMDJ: Sid is a gentle giant, he would never hurt a fly and he loves all other dogs and people, especially children.
AB: Does he have any bad habits?
AMDJ: He is a massive pig, he will do anything for food, and no food is safe if its within his reach, no matter how well its wrapped.
AB: What are his favourite things to do?
AMDJ: Eat and sleep.
AB: How long has he been going to DogHQ and does he love it?
AMDJ: Sid is one of the founding dogs at DogHQ. He has been going since they started and he loves it.
AB: Does he love the beach & swimming?
AMDJ: Sort off… he loves the beach, but hates water.
AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
AMDJ: If you are looking for a dog that is good with people, Bull Terriers are it, but you have to be very firm with them. They are very strong willed and stubborn, you need to always remind them who’s boss or they will walk all over you.
