Daphne the Dog (NZ 2008)

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Daphne with her almost indestructible frisbee

One of the highlights of settling into Nelson has been Daphne, Maya’s dog (she was named after the blonde chick in Scooby Doo)!  We take her out for a walk most days to the beach or for a walk along the riverbank or just to throw the Frisbee in the park. If you throw the Frisbee she’ll keep on catching it and bringing it back to you until your arm drops off!

Maya and Daffy playing in the surf on Tahunanui Beach in Nelson

She’s a Jack Russell/Hunterway cross. I was curious to know what a Hunterway was so I checked on the web and found out that it’s a New Zealand sheepdog. Apparently they are “excellent herding dogs, independent, and highly intelligent making them easily trained”. It’s true actually, she’s pretty smart, a real comic and loves to play.

Neil captured Daffy at a strange angle as she was shaking. It’s peculiar how she keeps her eye still but shakes her head – how does she do that?

We took her on a boat trip to Adele Island over Easter. Initially she was a bit nervous about the boat movement especially during the night but she soon adjusted and was scampering around and throwing herself up and down the companionway. She enjoyed barking at the gulls – the Terrier of the Seas!!  

Suzy and Neil

Her favourite trick is jumping up and catching the Frisbee in mid-air. If it high enough and she keeps her eye on it she never misses. It’s great to watch!
In true terrier style she’ll hang on for grim death. She’s stubborn and she usually wins this game, the frisbees beginning to look a bit tatty!
Sometimes she forgets she’s an independent, highly intelligent herding dog and becomes a cuddly toy
Watching out for ducks in the marina on the aft deck of Distant Drummer