Streak
Judy loved all types of animals in
contrast to her mother. On a farm, animals had chores just like everyone else, chooks
provided eggs, horses provided transport and dogs helped to herd the cows and
keep the foxes away from the chickens. But Streak was special, rather than
herding cows, he herded the children and followed them everywhere.
Photographer unknown, Judy & Diana with Streak standing on top
of Leura Hill in Camperdown, Victoria, Australia [T351]
Bluey
Bluey was a good steadfast type of horse, reliable and
gentle and when he not working around the farm Judy loved to ride him. Judy
loved Bluey much more than her boyfriend’s motorbike.
Photographer unknown, Judy can’t
remember the name of her old boyfriend but the horse’s name was Bluey, 1952,
Victoria, Australia[ T333]
Digger
When Judy first went nursing
and travelling, she couldn’t responsibly keep a pet. However, as soon as she
started a family, she acquired a pet dog named Digger.
Photographer
unknown, Digger the dog in the front yard, 1962, 8 Hope Street Benalla,
Victoria, Australia [T352]
Digger joined the family sometime in 1962. He was a
wonderful companion even though he was a bit naughty. During the day he would
escape through the fence in search of toys for his young companions. After each
escapade Digger would return with a different toy. The neighbours were very
understanding and tolerant, they would visit and retrieve their children's toys
at the end of each day. Some claimed that Judy had trained Digger to collect
the toys, but when I spoke to Judy, she assured me this was not true. Digger
eventually moved to live with Judy’s cousin Graham in Queensland, a much better
match for such a lively canine.
Mrs Sabatini’s Cat
It’s often said that you never really own a cat, it just
chooses who it will spend time with. Mrs Sabatini’s cat lived next door to Judy
in Benalla.
Photographer Unknown, Sandra playing with the cat, 1962, Benalla, Victoria,
Australia [T359]
The
cat would visit daily to play with the children. Judy was delighted.
Butty Judy’s riding companion
Then there was Butty, a Stafford Bull Terrier who Judy trained
to go riding with her. Butty would run alongside Judy as she rode. He wasn’t afraid of the horse’s hooves and
neither were the horses afraid of him. Butty would come back exhausted by the
end of the day.
Photographer
unknown, Judy riding with her Dog, 1982, Victoria, Australia [T360]
Sharing her passion for animals with her mother
Judy was mother was never keep on animals but when she came
to live with Judy, her distain of pets began to soften. Myrtle who had
disapproved of dogs inside in her younger years was happy to have her favourite
friend in at night to watch TV. Perhaps it was because she didn’t have to tidy
up after anyone anymore, she felt more comfortable to have a canine companion.
Photographer Judith Williamson, Myrtle playing with Judy’s 3 dogs and a duck [T354]
Sepia Saturday: Using Old Images As Prompt for New
Reflections – Prompt 525
Pet bios - I wish I knew names of the pets that show up in my ancestors’ photos.
ReplyDeleteYes it would be wonderful, we always crave more information, it gives depth to their stories.
DeleteSuch a lovely series of photos and vignettes. I couldn't do it this week, but I must dig out some family pet photos for future Sepia Saturdays and write them up as you have done. And I believe you get the prize this week for a dog atop a horse. Well done!
ReplyDeleteThankyou, it was a fun post to do, It gave me the opportunity to talk to my mother about her pets. They hold s special place in her heart.
DeleteA wonderful group of photos and vignettes about the pet animals in the family - all, obviously, very much loved. :)
ReplyDeleteVery much loved
DeleteA lovely profile of much loved family pets.
ReplyDeletepets are a very important part of lives that we sometimes overlook but they would have been a large part of an individuals life.
DeleteThat white cat is gorgeous! Your story of Digger reminded me very much of an Old English Sheepdog we foolishly bought. Morag also stole toys in the neighbourhood but when she started rounding up horses in a nearby paddock we knew she needed much more than a suburban block and we had to find her a bigger home.
ReplyDeleteI suppose the moral of the story is that working dogs need work, which can be a hard lesson to learn after you fall in love with them.
Delete