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 (he has two doggies of his own he spoils – Olive a Cocker Spaniel and Maisie a French Bulldog) loves the task of putting this monthly feature together. This month he talks with  Debra Shead of Northcote about Aggie, her much-loved miniature schnauzer.

AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Aggie been part of your life?
DEBRA SHEAD: A little over four years.

AB: What made you decide to get this breed?
DS: We were looking for a small dog which didn’t shed and would be good with children.  A miniature schnauzer seemed like a good option.

AB: Is she your first dog, if not tell us about your other dogs?
DS: Yes, she’s our first dog.

AB: Do you have any other pets?
DS: Yes, two cats, Imelda and Anne.

AB: What do you love about Aggie?
DS: She’s smart, loyal and very patient with our two children.

AB: Does she have any bad habits?
DS: Aggie is quite a sassy wee dog so will bark loudly and passionately at anyone who comes to our front door or approaches us when we’re out and about. It’s harmless barking but for people not familiar with the characteristic schnauzer bark, it can be quite confronting.

AB: What are her favourite things to do?
DS: Aggie loves family time, be it walks on the beach or in the park or playing in the garden. She also loves her days at DogHQ and her recovery days sleeping at home.

AB: How long has she been going to DogHQ and does she love it?
DS: Aggie has been going to DogHQ since she was a puppy, so about 4 years.  When Aggie joined our family, we were working quite long hours so it was wonderful that she had somewhere to go to keep her occupied during day when we weren’t home.  As a result, we’ve never had issues with her chewing furniture or running wild around the neighbourhood.  She absolutely loves her days at DogHQ and we love that she has a safe, nurturing, fun environment to spend her days.

AB: Does she love the beach and swimming?
DS: She loves to run on the beach but is a reluctant swimmer. We taught her to swim when she was a puppy but she’s never really been a fan.

AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
DS: If you work long hours, be prepared to spend some money on making sure your dog has something to look forward to every day. Whether it’s doggy daycare or a dog walker, it will be money well spent.