Big heart in a small package
Jack Russells might not be your regular working farm dog but Goldie, an energetic 11-year-old, fits the bill on Allan and Jean Weeks’ hobby farm in Kyabram. Goldie loves chasing after the deer, sheep and cattle but has little chance of catching any of them, especially the deer. Not only is she the working dog, Goldie also acts as the watchdog and protects her owners from any slithery visitors.
What is Goldie’s working ability like?
Allan: She gets excited working cattle or sheep. Sometimes she gets that excited she will nip me. I’m always worried she will get kicked by the cattle, which she did once. If I don’t want her chasing them, I’ll tie her up on the bike. I hear Goldie is quite the watchdog.
You know when she’s bailed up a snake. You know by her bark. She’s always the welcoming party and rushes to meet them (visitors). What does her diet consist of?
She’s a fussy eater. She won’t have bread crust without butter. Her favourite food is Kentucky Fried Chicken. She has cheese for breakfast every morning. Dry food and tin food are rubbish to her. Does she have any odd habits?
She goes and hides when the lawnmower comes out. She knows it throws stones. She’s scared stiff of thunder — she’ll hear it long before we do. How does she get on with other dogs?
Playing with other dogs is not on. What does she like and dislike about travel?
I just sold my last buses (Allan retired from bus driving recently). She loved the Ford Transit but not the Toyota. She doesn’t like travelling in the motorhome but she’s rapt when we get there (to the destination). She’s not interested in the car but the motorbike is a different story. What would you do without her?
I’d probably get another dog straight away. She’s great company and I think she claims me as her boss. Words and pictures: Rodney Woods
. . . Despite cheerfully travelling in all kinds of vehicles, Goldie’s favourite is always the motorbike (above).