PETS
In this issue, Audrey Ford from Summerset in the Bay in Napier introduces us to Rodger, her cute bichon frise. How was your first meeting with Rodger? He was eight weeks old when my husband and I bought him. When we picked him from the litter he cuddled up to me; he chose me. I think he’s quite intelligent, but then again I’m a very proud mother!
ABOVE | Proud mum Audrey and her fur baby, Rodger.
How did Rodger get his name?
What do you love most
When I was young, my two sisters
about Rodger?
What’s his favourite food? This little fellow is actually on a
and I were friendly with some
He’s excellent at looking after
diet at the moment! He has one
of the American servicemen.
me. I’m almost completely blind
biscuit a day, instead of all the
One of them was named Rodger,
but still very independent. I go
treats he used to get. He does
spelt with a ‘d’ in it. He wasn’t my
walking every morning around
love his food. One of his favourite
boyfriend or anything like that.
the village and Rodger guides
things is those pet sticks from the
One day, shortly before he went
me. If we’re crossing the road, he
supermarket.
back for duty, Rodger said to
stands in front of my walker to let
me, “If anything happens, would
me know when I need to stop. He
you say a prayer for me?” I’m
does boss me around a bit!
not particularly religious, but I said, “Yes, that wouldn’t be any
What makes Rodger happiest?
trouble.” That was the last time I
He loves travelling in the car and
saw him, as he was killed in the
he absolutely adores being in the
Second World War. He died only
water. I once went down to the
days after I made that promise
river with my family, and the next
to him, and it had a big impact
thing we know, little Rodger was
on me as a young girl. To this
on the other side of the bank. I
day, I still say a prayer for him
thought there was a pathway, but
every night. I say a prayer for my
no, he had been swimming.
husband Stewart, too.
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Summerset Scene | Autumn Issue