• Lizzie Simanke with Ketu and Kaskai in Takapuna. They love the car!

Ketu & Kaskai

My Dogs & Me with Lizzie Simanke

In association with our good friends a DogHQ each month we meet Shore people who's 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) has been given the task of putting this feature together on a monthly basis in 2017. This month he talks with Lizzie Simanke of Takapuna about her two two Alaskan Malamutes (Ketu and Kaskai) who are well-known around the Takapuna and Milford areas.

AIDAN BENNETT: How long have Ketu and Kaskai been part of your lives?
LIZZIE SIMANKE:
Ketu is female and aged nine years. Kaskai is male and is five years old. My husband Dene and I have owned two Malamutes previously. Great to have a female and male for company together.

AB: What made you decide to get a this breed?
LS:
Dene lived in Alaska and Canada and fell for the breed and introduced them to me.

AB: Are they your first dogs, if not tell us about your other dogs?
LS:
I have come from a dog family. We always had German Shepherds at home.

AB: Do you have any other pets?
LS:
Yes we have four horses as well. These are eventing and hunting horses owned between Dene and myself. I have come from a family with lots of animals around the house.

AB: What do you love about your two Alaskan Malamutes?
LS:
They have cool personalities and are eye-catching dogs, so different to other breeds around. They are quite unique in character, great for exercise and have strong muscular bodies. I highly recommend the breed, but you must be organised, strong and committed to the breed. Alaskan Malamutes are a strong-willed breed and will test you at times.

AB: Do they have any bad habits?
LS:
They will dig up your garden if bored. If a siren is going off they will howl. It can be quite loud at times.

AB: What are their favourite things to do?
LS:
Go out for Dinner in Takapuna, go to Dog HQ and play with their friends, swim in the water, go to new places in car, laze around us at home.

AB: Are they well behaved on Takapuna beach?
LS:
Yes very well behaved with other dogs and very social with people. I would say they are the most photographed dogs with people and celebrities stop to have photos with them and they have featured on many Social Media and Instagram pages.

AB: How long have they been going to DogHQ and do they love it?
LS:
Both have been going to DogHQ for the last four years. They adore DogHQ staff and their dog pal friends. DogHQ respect our dogs with compassion, love and respect. They know the names of all the dogs, report daily on the condition, social activity and have a genuine interest in our dogs. Ketu and Kaskai love it and we love it!

AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
LS:
Treat your dogs with respect and kindness. Love them like your family. They will reward you with loyalty and love and give you devoted attention. Dogs are smart and intelligent and do not deserve to be locked away or on a chain. They will give you 100% commitment if you look after them.