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. He and wife Michelle have two dogs of their own. This month he talks with Megan Robertson and Ben Panettiere of Devonport, about Charlie, a recent addition to their family.
AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Charlie been part of your life?
MEGAN ROBERTSON: He turned six months old on July 13th and he came into our lives in mid-March.
AB: Has he been doing much chewing or any other destructive things?
MR: Charlie loves slippers, socks and shoe laces but doesn’t chew them. Any chance he gets he will steal them for attention and will come and find us with a cheeky grin on his face thinking he is so clever!
AB: What made you decide to get a this breed?
MR: Charlie is a sheepadoodle (Mum was an Old English sheepdog and his dad was a miniature poodle). We wanted a breed that didn’t shed and would be a great addition to the family. He is so good towards children and other dogs. He is very kind natured and relaxed in all environments.
AB: Do you have any other pets?
MR: No.
AB: What do you guys love about Charlie?
MR: He is so relaxed and friendly towards everyone and everything, everyone always says that we are so lucky to have a puppy like Charlie. It would be hard to imagine our lives without him now.
AB: What has been the most challenging part of training a new puppy?
MR: At the very start it was a bit of a shock to the system, middle of the night wake-up calls and being on constant toilet and wandering puppy watch. Now it is just being consistent with training and remembering no matter what environment they are in to keep the same methodology.
AB: What are his favourite things to do?
MR: Runs on the beach! He loves the freedom from his lead and playing around with all the puppies on the beach he just loves to chase them around.
AB: How long has he been going to DogHQ and does he love it?
MR: Charlie started at Dog HQ in late March and yes he loves it!! Charlie knows it’s a daycare day as soon as Ben picks up his lead in the morning and he is the one leading you the way to daycare not the other way around.
AB: Does he love the beach and swimming?
MR: LOVES the beach, swimming not so much; he is still a little hesitant about getting in the water. But we think once summer rolls around and we can get in the water with him he will be all over it!
AB: Charlie is obviously pretty new in your lives. Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
MR: Make sure you are ready for a puppy. They require a lot of love, time and attention. If you put in the effort, they give it back to you ten-fold.
