 Everybody likes to go out for the day during the Christmas holidays. But what about your pets? They don't always like to be home alone. If you decide on a trip to Ferrymead Heritage Park, then here's an idea, for one day only you can take them along too!
The park’s Events Co-ordinator, Clare Robinson, says “City people often go out for the day and have to leave their pets at home. We all know what it’s like listening to our neighbour’s pooch howling its displeasure, often for hours, at being abandoned!"
For Pets' Day Out on Sunday 28 December, the Ferrymead people are encouraging everyone to bring their pets along and do something different together. The pets are welcome to travel on the tram and steam train. They say "A special train carriage will be available to convey large animals, just in case." So no matter how big your dog has grown these holidays, this is his chance to come too!
Park General Manager, Maureen Power, said that when she first suggested the Pets Day Out idea to Dave Carr of the Tramway Historical Society, and separately to Bruce Shalders of the Canterbury Railway Society, both men had been momentarily stunned while they absorbed the implications but then both gave the event the thumbs up. There should be some interesting photo opportunities!
 While at the park you can meet Angela and Jason Hunt, who opened Javin Leonberger Kennels to share their passion for the rare Leonberger dog. They jumped at the opportunity to show off their beautiful animals to park visitors. The highlight will be Ollie, the family Leonberger, sharing information and dog treats from his handy backpack.
The Leonberger is a rare German dog breed that is said to have almost died out during World War Two. They were used to carry ammunition and medical supplies for the soldiers. The dogs were left to fend for themselves on the battlefield as their owners fled or were killed. Only eight dogs survived at the end of the war. In current times, all Leonbergers ancestry can be traced back to these eight brave dogs.
Another person to talk to is Melissa Miles. She started her charity, Angel Horses, about four years ago and is enthusiastic about the chance for her special horses to be part of this unusual day. She takes in horses from around the city; those that are too old, too sick or simply not wanted. Melissa says “It really is all about helping the horses”.
One of the horses at Angel Horses is Gambit. Inherited almost eight years ago, Gambit was labelled a dangerous horse by all around him, and was heading for self-destruction. Miles speaks of the day when the two of them first met and describes her first impressions: “He was scary, really scary!” She poured her time and love into this doomed creature and now fondly refers to him as “My most trusted horse”.
Llamas, lizards and Leonbergers will be the special guests, this Sunday, joining the pukeko, ducks and chickens that call Ferrymead Heritage Park home.
Pets Day Out at Ferrymead Heritage Park, Sunday 28 December 2008, 10am to 4.30pm. Entry: Pets free, $15 adult, $5 child, $12 senior/concession, pre-school free, $35 family pass (2 adults and up to 4 children); $70 Annual Family Pass (horse rides extra).
|
