Spinner and Bert

Charming gentle-lab Spinner was taken on by Bert at 6 years of age, originally as a ‘temporary foster’, but we all know how that turns out…. 5 years later and here they still are. Thick as thieves and living their best lives. Being an elderly chap Spinner needed a helping hand down the stairs, but once we made it to the soft sands of Seacliff beach, running about and doing tricks for treats, it were as if he were a pup again.

How did Spinner come into your world?

Almost about 5 years ago now I had just moved off of campus in uni to rent my own place (for the sole purpose of being able to keep a puppo). I was speaking to a local shelter/foster group about adopting, and while we were in the match-making process of finding the dog for me, they contacted me out of the blue one day all "Hey Bert we really urgently need someone who can foster/take on this old labrador for a couple of weeks, would you be able to help?" I figured why not, so took him on that same day and it was basically love at first sight. The shelter eventually asked me if I wanted to keep him and the answer to me was obvious. He's been my bud ever since.

How would you describe his personality?

Derpy. Extremely friendly, very silly and socially awkward. He does this thing where he kind of runs up to you (or another dog), sniffs you for a few seconds and then runs off before they get the chance to reciprocate.

If he could tell us all something about you, what would he say?

He'd probably ask you to ask me for more pats and food. He'd probably ask you for more pats and food too.

What does he love to do the most?

Get showered with lots of pats, lots of attention, and most definitely lots of food. He'll often get distracted halfway through by a leaf or a twig on the floor though.

What's everyday life like with your boy by your side?

Having an extremely loyal, super affectionate (super gluttonous), innocent bud who's also extremely cuddly and just loves to eat and nap all day? Perfection.

How has having Spinner changed your life?

There's a comic I read once about a man, coming home from work at the end of a long shift. His dog's all excited because now they get to go for a walk but the man's dragging his feet because he's tired and it's the last thing he wants to do. But he as he walks with this innocent fluff-ball through the forest he starts to slow down, to fully appreciate the birds, the trees, the walk and his pups adoration. The simple things. The important things. Spinner I think does that to me. It's easy to feel the weight and exhaustion build up after a long day, but seeing the innocence and happiness this doofus has with the silliest things, and with the simple act of spending time with me, it never fails to put a smile on my face.