EVERYTHING DOG UNDER ONE WOOF
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WELL-KNOWN Gold Coast dog Princess Pookie and her beloved owner Dawn Crichlow are about to farewell Southport’s council chambers.
But they both have grand plans after leaving Division 6.
When Dawn’s husband Desmond Crichlow was admitted to De Paul Villa retirement home in 2011 after a stroke, the councillor’s life changed dramatically.
But Cr Crichlow said when her heart was broken, an angel arrived.
“When Desmond went into Barry House permanently Princess Pookie lived there 24/7.
“She and her brother were adopted from AWL by the retirement home staff.
“I would go at 3pm in the afternoon to visit my husband to give him a treat and Princess would wait for me at the door. She got to love me.
“Two days before Desmond passed away she did not leave his bed. When Desmond left us De Paul Villa said that I could take her home for the weekends and then in 2013 I had her permanently.
“She now runs my life and I love every minute with her.”
Tomorrow the Bulletin and Sunday Mail launch a quest to find Australia’s top dog at dogsofoz.com.au with a range of prizes up for grabs including a doggy makeover, a trip to Sydney and $5000 Petbarn voucher.
Cr Crichlow said after leaving the City of Gold Coast council after almost 30 years, she and her pooch plan to volunteer with Rosie’s, Lifeline and start an Italian restaurant to feed the homeless.
“A place where the community can buy a meal and then pay-forward a meal for the homeless,” she said.
Now, at the age of 15, the Maltese Shitzu spends her days at Ashmore’s De Paul Villa and nights and weekends at Cr Crichlow’s home.