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 Sonje Tokley of Northcote Point about Charlie the Yorkshire Terrier, who loves going to DOG HQ and is very well known in Birkenhead, Northcote Point and Takapuna areas.
AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Charlie been part of your life?
SONJE TOKLEY: Charlie has been part of my life for 4 and half years now.
AB: What made you decide to get a Yorkshire Terrier?
ST: I decided to get this breed as I wanted a small lapdog and a dog that would be intelligent, and who loves human company.
AB: Is he your first dog? If not, tell us about your other dogs?
ST: No, Charlie is not my first dog. I had a toy poodle when I was a teenager and as kids we had lots of dogs as family pets.
AB: Do you have any other pets?
ST: No, I have no other pets, Charlie is more than a pet; he is my child and best friend.
AB: What do you love about Charlie?
ST: I love that he is always at my side wherever I go: shopping, dining out, when I have my nails done, training, visiting friends and family....and just being next to me on the sofa watching TV.
AB: Does he have any bad habits?
ST: Yes; his worst bad habit is that he stands on the dishwasher door when it's open and licks the dinner plates...and he loves rolling in anything smelly.
AB: What are his favourite things to do?
ST: His favourite things to do is going for walks, kayaking, going for a drive in the car, visiting friends, lying in the sun and playing with a small black stone that he always seems to find wherever he goes. He is a very social dog and loves people.
AB: How long has he been going to DogHQ and does he love it?
ST: Charlie has been going to DogHQ for more than four years. He absolutely LOVES DogHQ; he can't wait to get out of the car and then he runs straight up to his classroom when they open the door for him.
AB: Does he love the beach & swimming?
ST: He really loves the beach ... but he doesn't like swimming at all.
AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
ST: Take care of your dog as you would a child as they will be your best friend and companion when no one else is there for you...they are soo loyal and love you unconditionally.
