Pamela King's Blog, page 3

If you can’t win at least you can laugh

An article about the Dingo appeared in the 1981 Jan-Feb edition of Archery Action. Berenice received two letters in response to the article. It included a number of comments and claims about the dingo and its control including:

If, in Central Australia, domestic stock amounts to only 6.5% of a dingoes diet, imagine how high this figure would be if we did not have a dingo fence.
You seem to have a few dingo problems there yourself. A shotgun at close range or .222 243, 270 etc at longer ranges will effectively eradicate your problem.
Strychnine laced treacle spread on a dingoes path also is very effective when he licks it off his paws.
I do not deny that you are trying to preserve a part of Australia's heritage that has been artificially created by the attitudes of uninformed people. I do not wish to see the dingo completely destroyed, but merely controlled. The removal of the dingo from the vermin class is ludicrous. It is definitely vermin. (Note all this was in the same paragraph of the letter)
The baits being dropped are 1080 that has been reduced in strength so the dingoes only get sick, but will not take baits again. It is associations such as yours who are responsible for such things as the reduction in 1080 strength.
…… the grazier ….. working for his nation and being hampered (severely at times) by a host of ill-informed associations.
I own a Dingo-cross bull terrier/blue heeler, who bears more resemblance to a pure bred Dingo than anything. The first sheep he ever saw he ran it through two fences and into a creek before shredding its face into strips of cartilage and tongue. He has repeated this performance twice since that, and taken on a full grown ram without hesitation. The last one he killed was the greatest mess of a sheep I've seen in a long time; its face was so badly mutilated, and moreover the sheep was still alive, and if you reckon the Dingo gets it tough what about the poor bloody sheep; they are alive too, you know.
It's not the bull-terrier in him, as I've owned quite a number of them.
They are a good dog as a pet, but the killer has to be bred out if there is ever going to be anything pedigree, or there’ll just be killer dogs everywhere. Taking on man and beast.

In reply to the letters Berenice pointed out the material used in the article was taken from the results of a 10 year program of the CSIRO 1966 to 1976, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dingo Research by A J Oliver, and from programs developed by the Society and its founder since 1974.


She also takes quite a brave stand against the writer recommending the use of strychnine by advising him: “Strychnine is most irresponsible, as it is illegal, and your name and address have been forwarded on to the Health Commission.”

One of the writers had to have the last say. This is part of his letter:

I also had the misfortune to read your article "A brief guide to Characteristics, Behaviour and Trainability" which leads me to believe you sleep with dingoes! Due to this I am forced to have serious doubts as to your sanity. I quote "sleeping with a dingo is very warm and comfortable….devotion is shown in many ways…like laying his head on your knees …… resting his chin on your shoulder for a few moments …..ideally the breed should live in the house as one of the family, taking part in all activities and outings".

The only word for the above is 'sickening', and it shows the decline of human society. How can you possibly include a dingo (merely an idealised killer) as part of a human family? A dog cannot be compared to a child; your whole concept in this article typifies the situation before the fall of the Roman Empire. I am forced to conclude through this article that you have no idea what a real dingo is, or you are so far removed from the reality of the dingo conflict that it is pointless to continue your Society because there appears to be unrealistic people involved in a conflict that involves a compromise between two cooperating human parties.

Berenice’s response was simply: “You can't win them all, but at least we try - and will keep on trying.”

Kadoka the New Guinea Singing Dog

Leading up to July 1996, the Dingo Sanctuary Bargo’s resident vet and manager, David had commenced his Master of Science degree at the University of NSW on the genetics of the Dingo under the supervision of Drs Alan Wilton and Bill Sherwin and he was extracting DNA from the Dingoes so was not at the sanctuary quite as much. On top of David and the volunteers usual busy schedule:

Berenice had a fall and was to be in hospital for two months.
A transportable building to be used as the new entrance and shop had arrived and improvements to the dingo runs had started.
Nardoo’s puppies were being prepared to go to Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.
Visitation had continued to grow.
A new website had been designed.

It was a busy time for everyone.

Then, out of the blue the phone rings. It was Carol Bach from Taronga Zoo asking when the sanctuary would be taking Kadoka.

Kadoka was a New Guinea Wild Dogs (New Guinea Singing Dogs) who had resided at the zoo and was going into retirement at Bargo. Taronga had been well known for its New Guinea Wild Dogs and supplied zoos around the world. Kadoka was also believed to be the last New Guinea Wild Dog in Australia. He was living in a concrete enclosure in the vet block at the zoo and it was agreed that he could be offered better accommodation at the sanctuary and could also be walked on a regular basis. They readily agreed to take him although there was some concern the Merigal pack would consider him an outsider

Late in August the big day arrived with Taronga Zoo staff delivering Kadoka mid-morning. He was let out of his crate and into one of the smaller runs but didn’t seem terribly impressed with his surroundings. After a walk to the dam and staff keeping an eye on the bordering dingo neighbours he was taken to a yard behind the house.

Hostie who used to be in this area was locked in one of the very old kennels. With the exception of a bit of bravado from Koori, so far so good but, what to do with Hostie?

Hostie was returned to her yard and introduced to Kadoka. They went about their own thing and didn’t seem to have any problems with each other.

With his friendly, loving ways and some local publicity ‘Dokie’ became a popular attraction and a favourite of the volunteers in a very short time.

Only problem with Kadoka was that he was a New Guinea SINGING Dog and that’s just what he did every time someone he knew arrived. Some unkindly referred to him as a New Guinea Screaming Dog or New Guinea Whinging Dog. Fortunately he settled when no one was around but his behaviour did pose a problem.

The sanctuary had an enthusiastic team of volunteers who attended to the dingoes needs, assisted visitors, cared for the gardens and took care of a myriad of odd jobs.

Dingoes are creatures of habit so there was a fixed routine to reduce disruption as much as possible with feeding, handling and walking being carried out at regular times to avoid undue excitement and disturbance.

‘Dokie knew all the regular volunteers and loved them all equally. As soon as we walked through the gate he would start. The noise was unbelievable! I am sure he could be heard miles away.

How to solve the problem? Easy we drew up a new routine; one that instructed (more like insisted) every volunteer HAD to follow. Number one on the list was “Say hello to Kadoka”. After a few minutes of cuddling and running around with him he wold settle and we could get on with our tasks – in peace.

Kadoka was about 10 when he was retired to Merigal and a sweeter natured dog you could never meet. Sadly he passed away in 1997. During the morning he had appeared to be his usual bright, affectionate (and noisy) self. Later in the day, spying two of his favourite humans he started jumping up and down, screaming, as usual, for a walk when he suddenly collapsed and died.

His body was returned to Taronga Zoo for autopsy. The autopsy and histopathology revealed very little. It seems he died of a heart attack.

RIP ‘Dokey

Dingo advocates need to be a more united force.

In her first book written in 1979 Berenice Walters observed: "In areas where the dingo has been eradicated, there has been an alarming build-up of grass eating species, indicating the importance of the role played by our native dog in maintaining the delicate balance of nature."


She continues: "The dingo is classed as a noxious animal throughout Australia, its extermination is mandatory and its keeping by private individuals is illegal. Prior to 1966, no comprehensive scientific study had been made of the dingo. Its reputation as a predator of domestic stock, based largely on exaggerated reports, pure supposition and myth, led to the cruel and unnecessary persecution of this native Australian."

At the time there were only a handful of people like Berenice who were passionate about getting the Dingo a better name but most thought she was crazy to believe that this hated and wanton killer had any redeeming traits.

Today there are many more who believe in the Dingo and are working hard to promote its true gentle, loving characteristics; its vital role as the apex predator and the need for it to be acknowledged and protected as an Australian animal.

She would be very proud of those who are fighting so hard on its behalf and elated at its relatively new taxonomy of Canis Dingo. She would be sitting back with a smile as more and more scientists and academics come forward proving what the early Dingo supporters believed.

Yet I believe that there is one area that she would be very disappointed and that is the lack of unity of Dingo supporters. There are many more now than in Berenice's time and yet we are still fighting for the same things she and her contemporaries did.

Along with most other people who cherish the dingo I want to see its national recognition, preservation and acceptance of its role as apex predator. I am sure that every dingo person agrees on these points:

The dingo has been maligned for far too long and deserves to take its rightful place as a uniquely Australian animal and be protected at a national level.

The dingo’s role as an apex predator preserves other declining species and helps reduce feral species that prey on small threatened marsupials.

Where control of wild dogs, or any feral or invasive species for that matter, is required it needs to be undertaken using kind control methods. We need to get the barbaric trapping, shooting and poisoning out of this country.

Where I have concern is that it appears to me some dingo advocates, including some dingo preservation groups, have private agendas and put their own personal aims before that of the national issues.

For the sake of the dingo we need to put aside personal differences and make the dingo itself the highest priority.

Senator Led Parade of Dingoes

If you search Hansard for the word ‘Dingo’ you will find in most cases it was a term used to insult a member of the opposite party but there was one senator at least who would have considered this to be an insult to the Dingo itself.

Senator Tony Mulvihill was passionate about Dingoes and Patron of the Australian Native Dog Conservation society.

I don’t think many people realise how early Berenice and the society she founded were out in public promoting the truth about Dingoes.

Although controversy constantly raged about them they took every opportunity to promote their cause by attending festivals, displays , lectures , schools and appearing television.

One of the highlights of this period was when the group marched through the streets of Sydney on Australia Day led by then Senator Tony Mulvihill with a white Dingo, Peter Pan. As they passed the spectators roars of approval went up and then they burst into singing 'Come on Aussie, Come on, Come On'. At the end of the day they won the coveted award for 'Best Canine Exhibit' at The Rocks Festival Parade;

It was a truly historic occasion. This was the first time the group openly revealed that their dogs were actually DINGOES. In addition to the tremendous applause , people ran onto the road to give the dingoes a pat.

Earlier in the day as they made their way to the assembly point, the Society’s Patron, the Hon. Neville Wran, left his car to come and meet them. Stating "Those are my dogs", he waived to members, chatted to everyone and made the acquaintance of Peter Pan, who was always known as the 'Senator's dog '.

In the Footsteps of Berenice

Since making the commitment to write Berenice Walters’ biography I have become even more in awe of this amazing lady. Just trying to keep up with the time and energy she committed to the Dingo cause is exhausting!

Why? It’s all a matter of putting things in perspective. Here are some examples for you.

Berenice spent many hours in the State Library undertaking research. I travelled into Sydney for another Dingo related event and while there decide to visit the Australian Museum and the State Library. I know I will need to go for further research.

On this particular day my trip in took one and a half hours from Picton; the trip home the same but add an extra one a quarter hours sitting at Central Station because I missed an earlier train. So my day in Sydney was 10 hours long including travel. Berenice lived even further down the line and undertook her research at a time when the train service was not as reliable or frequent as it is today.

Berenice spent many hours typing up information from books borrowed from libraries. It is just as well she was a much better typist than me – no scanners in those days to save copies of to a computer.

Yes, she typed her information onto a typewriter and for you younger readers that means if you make a mistake you have to start again. I don’t think even White Out had been invented at the time! Using a typewriter also meant no auto word wrap and no spell check.

Her own manuscripts, articles, early books, the society newsletters and correspondence were all created using a typewriter. Each would have to be typed and retyped with corrections and editing.

Did I say she wrote letters? Of course! There were no emails. You wrote a letter, waited 3 or more days (depending on its destination) for it to arrive. It depended on how diligent, thoughtful and efficient the receiver was before they replied; then you waited for it to come to you via post.

She spent many hours writing to politicians, fellow dingo supporters and conservationists involved with other canids around the world. In the days of post only (and the occasional fax) can you imagine how long it took to establish contact and relationships with kindred spirits in the world of conservation? Today I just open up my Facebook and can instantly establish a rapport with people who have like interests.

Then you have to remember she had her Dingoes to care for and train, she bred, trained and showed Australian Cattle Dogs, she was a wife and mother and the family also ran a small farm.

Phew! How many of us could make that commitment today with our ‘busy’ lives, modern appliances and instant communication?

So when I get overwhelmed and wonder what I have taken on just in the research and digitising of my project including:

* researching new information via the internet (not travelling to a library 1½ hours away)
* looking at a mountain of papers to scan so they are preserved (because in this ‘modern’ age I can)
* transcribing faded documents using my computer with all its fancy helpful features AND text recognition if the document is clear enough (not typing and retyping on an antiquated machine)
* setting up a new and separate computer with special software and high graphics capability so we can start copying old videos and audios tapes to disk. (Not to mention the boxes of photos; both family and dingo ones that need identifying and scanning)

I stop to think “How would Berenice have managed this 40 years ago?” I wonder how much more she could have achieved with modern technology.

I know I will ultimately finish the biography because I know my efforts pale in significance compared to what Berenice achieved on behalf of the Dingo. It will take me two years to complete but I can’t think of a better way to pay tribute to a true Australian pioneer.

I realise I am not walking in the footsteps of Berenice I am in her shadow simply putting light on what she achieved in her lifetime.

White Settlement in Australia: Dingo and Aboriginal Parallels

I met recently with elders of the D’harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledgeholders Council, Frances Bodkin and Gavin Andrews.

We were chatting about Berenice, who both were very close to, and I mentioned her belief that many of the attacks on sheep in the early days of white settlement were by young adult Dingoes separated from their pack because of indiscriminate slaughter.

Because the Dingo pack is like a family, young Dingoes are taught and disciplined by the older members. When these teachers are absent, particularly the alpha male and female a young Dingo can go rogue.

Gavin pointed out that it was the same with his people. White man’s diseases caused the deaths of the oldest members of the community as well as the young and the weak. With the loss of their teachers and disciplinarians the young bucks went rogue.

Another parallel was the loss of land. White settlers accused Aboriginal people of stealing crops and livestock resulting in mass slaughter and incidents like the Massacre in Appin (NSW). The white settlers had in fact taken over what was Aboriginal land, their food basket.

As settlement moved inland taking its sheep and cattle so these people took over land where Dingoes roamed resulting in the slaughter of Dingoes when they were caught attacking flocks.

In 1978 Berenice wrote a paper titled “The Australian Native Dog, The Dingo (Canis Familiaris Dingo): Moves to Develop its National Identity*. In it she asks several pertinent questions:


Why has it taken so long to stop and think; to question the wild claims of those who accuse the Dingo of such mighty feats as travelling 50 miles to kill 300 sheep, then returning to sleep it off; to state it takes a pack of domestic dogs to kill one Dingo; that Dingoes threatened the lives of settlers: Then claim the Dingo is a coward!!!!!

If the Dingo was such a rapacious killer, how come Captain Cook wasn’t met by an island of killer dogs?

If the Dingo was capable of such feats of ferocity and stock killing, how come in 1788 when six head of cattle were lost form the first settlement, they were found some seven years later at Cowpastures near C
amden, the original six having increased to 61. (By 1801 the original herd had grown to 300 head – by 1811, known as the ‘wild cattle’, their numbers were estimated at around 4,000).

How come it was a prosperous business for bushrangers to hide stolen cattle in isolated valleys where the cattle thrived – and increased?

Those very same questions could be asked in relation to the Aboriginal people.

* I have used Berenice’s title for her paper however it should be noted that in 2015 it was confirmed that the Dingo is not a dog; it is, in fact, now its own species, Canis Dingo.

Pamela King (Ferrari)

Word of Advice to New Dingo Researchers

As part of my research for the biography of Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady, I have been reading old dingo related material and books (1970s-1980s) to form an idea of what material Berenice had available to her. I have also been reading her own manuscripts and the opinions about the Dingo she formed at the same time.

This exercise has confirmed that while she read just about anything available, her knowledge was predominantly based on her own observations and experience.

My reading of past books and articles by so called professionals serves as a warning to anyone researching the dingo to be wary of the ‘facts’ in this early material and ensure you read more recent information before delving back.

I considered including examples of false information in this article but thought it better not to give any form of credence to the information. However I will make mention of one example in a book I have just finished. I should point out that this book was not solely about Dingoes.

It astonished me that a book written in 1969, with a second edition in 1977, then a third edition (the one I was reading) in 1984 there is no update to the information over the 15 year span. Now I can appreciate that limited research on the dingo had been undertaken in 1969 but by 1984, mostly due to Berenice Walters and other champions of the Dingo, we started to know and understand considerably more about the Dingo.

The example in case is that this particular book stated “No one is sure at what age they mate.” I think many of us knew the answer to that by 1984. The text also seems to imply that once white man arrived they went from a diet of native wildlife to one of pure domesticated animals. The sadness of this situation is that an author continued to earn royalties from a successful publication, so successful that it was worthy (?) of three editions. But does not take time to update information.

Okay, I’ve got that off my chest but there’s more. Having made notes while reading this particular text, and huffing and puffing and protesting loudly to an empty room, I then looked at the background information of the author. Sometimes I do things backwards. I discovered that not only was the author a grazier but the penny finally dropped and it dawned on me that most of the information about Dingoes was provided by ‘doggers’. So here we have what I can only assume was a successful publication, written by an acclaimed author that has out of date and incorrect information.

So students, to summarise this lesson on research:

1 Make sure the information is recent and factual
2 Make sure the author is an authority on the subject and does not have slanted or biased opinions.

Dora the Yellow Dingo

I believe this is one of the most touching pieces Berenice Walters, the Dingo Lady ever wrote. It is about her first Dingo, Dora.


Berenice got Dora ‘no questions asked’ straight from the wild in 1974, a time when Dingoes were considered noxious pests and vermin; to be killed on sight. Berenice narrowly dodged being gaoled and Dora destroyed such was the law at the time.


Dora the Yellow Dingo

She was a wild bush baby. One day she would mature into a glorious adult of yellow gold.


Australia's national flower is the golden Wattle; Australia's national colours are gold and green, Australia's Native Dog is the golden Dingo.


But who among us are even aware of this proud and noble animal.

As she looks out into these strange surroundings, fear dilates her eyes; rotate, her large nostrils twitch, as she nervously licks her lips. Furtively she cranes her neck to seek a welcome dark corner into which she could quickly melt.

Straight from the wild to a world full of humans; humans that she had known from birth to fear and distrust.

Her human held her close, tears spilling down her cheeks and splashing onto the yellow-grey fur, tears of compassion for this small animal and for all her breed; tears of humiliation and shame for the atrocities and hate metered out to the wild dogs of the world; for the lack of knowledge and blind legendary fear of this beautiful animal.

How strange that the dog, so often claimed to be man’s best friend could also be so feared, so hated and distrusted; so misunderstood, condemned without fair trial.

Could she ever forget her fears? To what degree could she be domesticated? What hope was there for her and for her future offspring?

What could domesticity offer this proud and independent daughter of the bush?

Finding a suitable name, one that would help promote a new and better image for her breed became one of the first and most important tasks. Diana, Ding Dong; Delilah, Catherine, Elizabeth, Margaret. Nothing seemed right.

Then "Dora", (straight from Dickens’s 'David Copperfield’) suggested human No. 1.



“Dora” said human No.2. "That's a good old Australian name". He had the Dora Dora blacks in mind.

So Dora it was.

Dora had come into the world conditioned for life in the wild. No fears had she for the birds, the animals, the rivers, the trees, the day or the night. Only man so filled her wild little heart with such over-whelming fear; would never fully trust him? Man with his domination, his strong voice, dark clothes, man smell. Woman with her softer voice and smell would have a better chance of penetrating this shield of fear, but Dora would never become a doting pet, slavish in her devotion.

She would accept perhaps one, as her possible equal, be domesticated by one who may be lucky enough to gain her confidence.

For that person there would be a delightful friendship, a unique love and understanding; yet always a challenge. Those who have attained this sublime state with the wild dog all agree no relationship with any other dog is as exhilarating, or as rewarding.

Within days our delightful Dingo pup had settled in well. She watched with growing interest the daily routine of training, feeding, cleaning and brushing. She watched her mates, carefully copying their way of life. Her mouth opened and shut like theirs did when barking, but no sound came forth. It would be many moons before she would bark. Like all wild dogs she is virtually bark less, barking only in the true biological sense, defence of the lair, or when over excited. In the wild to be noisy could cost the lives of all.

Each morning she had a collar and lead put on and taken for a walk. When some training was begun she growled loud and clear. When made to sit she collapsed in a heap. After more than two minutes heeling she reluctantly hung back.

Finally she accepted the woman as Boss; one way or another she had to be obeyed. With the resignation of her breed she accepted this. She dropped to the ground in submission.

Although Dora came to accept the family, all strangers were treated with utmost suspicion.


At the sight, sound or smell of a stranger she behaved like a wild animal, hiding, peering anxiously out, nose quivering, head weaving from side to side endeavouring to catch a familiar scant, snorting and licking her lips, occasionally barking in a gruff “woof, woof”.

In the car her head would weave from side to side taking in the myriads of scents. Before long she would know when we were nearing home some 10 odd miles away. She would suddenly tense as a recognised smell would bring her to her feet.

Surely this highly developed sense could be put to work for the good of man in the course of police, army or customs work.

At six months of age beautiful Dora was an adult. Her bright yellow­ gold coat mirrored the sun. She moved with the grace and agility of a cat, she could turn and twist like a whip. She played always gently, was never aggressive. Obedience training classes helped her to accept strangers and their dogs. With cattle she herded and worked with the skill of the Border Collie, patiently but forcefully maintaining control.

Being an intelligent and curious animal trouble would have to come in some form.

What better than a bantam that dared to fly into the dog enclosure. Dora had treated the fowls with utter contempt as they flirted with death busily engaged in feeding about six inches from the fence. The Cattle Dogs flew at the fence, hurled themselves bodily at those chooks - who did not even raise their heads. Dora completely ignored the performance.

However, when one flew into the yard she was ready. Instinctively she herded it into a corner and dived in to grab.



Unfortunately for her at the same time as her mate Juicy (a Cattle Dog) came thundering in from behind sending her sprawling. Leaping to her feet she took off at top speed with the terrified bird in her mouth followed by a pounding Cattle Dog and the boss bringing up the rear yelling.

The bird was returned unhurt to the flock, unmarked but minus its tail feathers which were hanging ludicrously from Dora's mouth giving her the expression of a much surprised and bewildered professor.

If we could gaze into the future, we would see Dora, desperate for her own kind, searching for a Dingo mate; deprived of her own kind frantically trying to attract a male of the domestic breeds who under normal circumstances would ignore her plaintive love.

There would be magic in the air, time would stand still, if a Dingo should be brought to her at this time. They both would know; be it their scent, or appearance, they would know they were two of a kind. Their whirling bodies entwined, clinging together in perfect love and harmony, their affection and love complete in a devotion that has no equal, and they would find paradise.

Looking further into the future we would see her sharing her bosses' bedroom, giving birth to four beautiful mahogany brown, velvety pups, caring for them with infinite devotion; we would see her Dingo mate visiting them, the magic of their rapture at being together again electrifying the air. She will pine for him when he leaves.

“Why has he left me", her grief stricken eyes would ask.

That night she will be restless, her puppies cry. No one will get much sleep.

What could the future hold for these pups born of domesticated parents into the world of man?

Could they lead the way to a better understanding of this much maligned breed? Conditioned at birth, carefully reared and trained, could their talents be used for the betterment of man. Could they?

Oh, yellow dog, I pray for you and for your entire breed.

Dora’s full story is available through the website www.dinoglady.com.au. The story of her son, Napoleon will soon be released also.

BIG BERENICE AND THE LITTLE RED DINGOES

I mentioned in an earlier blog post that Berenice’s Dingoes excelled at obedience training. I hope you enjoy this cartoon and article from the Sun Herald, mid 1976 about Napoleon and Snowgoose’s success.

The Story of

BIG BERENICE AND THE LITTLE RED DINGOES

Once upon a time all Dingoes were regarded as big bad dogs, evil, savage and untrainable, a threat to man and beast.

Then along came NAPOLEON AND SNOWGOOSE

A FULL-BLOODED Australian Dingo has topped his class at a Sydney dog obedience school, putting fashionable and expensive breed to shame.

The dingo’s performance – 98 points out of 100 – will bring new demands that the native dog, labelled as vermin by Australian law, be treated with respect.

The dingo’s owner, who declined to be named – it is illegal to keep dingoes – said: “They are marvellous animals, beautiful and intelligent. I want their rightful image restored. A Sydney man who takes his two dingoes to work every day said: Dingoes have higher intelligence than most dogs, and they love children. They have to be kept in check in some areas but they should be protected where they are becoming scarce.

Senator Tony Mulvihill, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and the Environment, said yesterday he was determined to use upcoming sessions of the woodchip inquiry to examine the dingo question.

Runners up were two dobermanns with 92 and 91 respectively - an indication of the dingoes' intelligence and suitability for this type of work, their owner said.

The woman has kept Napoleon, now 12 months old, around the house without any problems she wouldn't have encountered with other dogs, she said.

Neither Napoleon nor Snow Goose had seen a lamb before the picture on this page was taken. Their first reaction was curiosity but they were easily restrained, and within minutes bad 1 to be further restrained to keep them near the lamb so more photographs could be taken.

But Snowgoose did set off after a duck, another first sighting, and might have killed it if she had not been pulled off. Most other breeds of dogs would have done the same thing, the woman said. "People don't realise that any domestic breed of dog is still a wild animal. It's heartbreaking when the most savage and aggressive overseas breeds can be imported and their pups sold to the general public while the dingo, which is far less aggressive, is discriminated against in its own country.

"In Switzerland dingoes are shown as a miscellaneous breed pending official recognition. In America they're shown as a rare breed, again pending official recognition. Here they are vermin."

She said dingoes were frequently blamed for attacks on livestock by domestic dogs because few people would accept that all dogs are wild.

For this reason she is also ·campaigning for a review of the whole question of dog ownership….. owners must be held responsible for their dogs, and that no dog should be allowed in public without a leash.

***
Of course the Dingo and owner who refused to be named was Berenice Walters, with Napoleon, and the Sydney man whose dingoes accompanied him to work was Fred Wirrer with Cornelius and son.

Trainability of Dingoes

The extract below is from the panel discussion at a seminar on Dingoes held in Sydney on 5th August 1976.It is a short contribution by Berenice Walters but demonstrates her early knowledge and understanding of the Dingo at a time when it was simply considered a pest by most.

I think the dog itself should have some sort of say in this. We are regarding the Dingo as a tremendous predator, aggressive and with no good points; but it is a dog and we have to accept this.

It is a trainable dog [1]. It has tremendous potential in the police, army and Defence Department. [2] It can be trained; there is no doubt about this. I think that Mr. Simpson [3] put his finger right on the point when he said the Feral Dog Destruction Board . This Dingo Destruction Board is getting everybody’s back up because we know that it is just every breed of domestic dog. They do not have to be crossed with Dingoes. In Goulburn not so long ago sheep were killed and everybody screamed "Dingoes". Two Cattle Dogs were the culprits there


I am a Cattle Dog breeder of' thirty odd years and I know Cattle Dogs. In Moss Vale there is a $50.00 bounty on the sheep killer. I think you will always have the public against P.P. Boards [4] while you call it Dingo Destruction Boards because everybody is awake up that Dingo is a dog.

[1] Berenice had not long before demonstrated their trainability with her first three Dingoes; Dora, Napololeon and Snowgoose. See story below

[2] One of Berenice’s Dingoes, Wellington, later went on to become a member of the Air Force and another mascot for an army regiment. See story below

[3] Lower North Coast Tablelands Dingo Destruction Board

[4] Pastures Protection Board

Snowgoose (Snowy) was Berenice’s third Dingo. Snowgoose and Berenice’s beloved Napoleon made headlines in the Sunday newspapers when they not only advanced to off-lead work at obedience classes, but topped their respective graduation tests. Their owner was never divulged at the time.

In 1976 Dora, was the star of an ABC Big Country segment Trust a Dingo. Berenice worked her in the bush on 400 metre recalls so she was able to enact a "wild" Dingo, with Napoleon and Snowgoose supporting as "Dingoes in training".

Snowy also featured on the 20c stamp of the Dogs of Australia series in 1980.

Snowgoose was sponsored by the Hon Neville Wran QC while he was Premier of NSW.

In 1978 ministerial approval was granted to Sergeant Neville Kleidon of the RAAF base, Canberra, to 'train one dingo provided by the Australian Native Dog Training Society of NSW Limited'. Wellington quickly proved successful as a scout dog in field work.

Another Merigal Dingo, Barooma, joined the 3rd Field Engineer Regiment, Lavarack Barracks, Townsville, as mascot, being given the rank of Sapper.