12 power pets of Christmas: The Advertiser Foundation’s 2022 Power Pets calendar
Meet the pets that “own” our state’s most powerful people! The Advertiser’s Power Pets calendar is being auctioned off to help sick children – bidding closes at 6pm Monday.
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They’re the pets of some of the biggest movers and shakers for South Australia.
From politicians to police officers, we’ve gone inside the homes of some of our state’s most influential people to meet their cute, fluffy offsiders.
And it’s all for a good cause – they will all appear in The Advertiser Foundation’s limited edition calendar, 2022 Power Pets, the proceeds of which will go towards Ronald McDonald House SA.
Twelve of the special edition calendars will be auctioned by Marc du Plessis, who has donated his time. Click here to go to the du Plessis website to register for this special private auction – it closes at 6pm today.
The winning bidder will also receive a Christmas card from one of the influential people photographed.
The house is helping young people like Jorja Crane, 15, battle cystic fibrosis.
Ronald McDonald House Charities at North Adelaide means families of sick children can live together in serviced units while undergoing treatment.
Jorja says the “really friendly” families and other staff have helped her adjust to her “home away from home” at RMHC, a place she has been visiting since she was two.
Jorja’s mother, Tanya Crane, 55, said RMHC removes a large amount of stress that frequently coming to the city for treatment brings.
“There’s no stress about having to find a rental property and all the other added expenses,” Ms Crane said.
The Advertiser Foundation is supporting RMHC by auctioning off 12 limited edition calendars that feature the fluffy friends of SA’s biggest movers and shakers – 2022 Power Pets.
Proceeds of the auction will go towards RMH to support children like Jorja and their families.
Each day, The Advertiser is revealing one of the special 12 pet photos that will appear in the calendar. Take a look below.
DAY ONE
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens with dogs Gracie and Zoe
When it comes to his dogs, you might expect top cop Grant Stevens would opt for a powerful, majestic or obedient breed: german shepherds, rottweilers or dobermans spring to mind.
Instead, Mr Stevens and his family have two beloved pet mini dachshunds, and it must be said – they’re very cute.
DAY TWO
Premier Steven Marshall with horse Braveheart
Steven Marshall says every premier needs a braveheart to do their job well – especially during a global pandemic.
“My braveheart is a special 23-year-old who sired more than 17 foals, many of whom have been endurance champions,” Mr Marshall said.
“I’m personally no good at riding, but I have fond memories of spending time with my sisters and their horses,” Mr Marshall said.
“Braveheart has enjoyed endurance riding for many years and is now living his best life at Hazelmere Agistment, Echunga.
DAY THREE
Prime Minister Scott Morrison with dog Buddy
While he may have one of the hardest jobs in the country, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says his best friend is alway there to greet him at the end of his day.
“It is often said that dogs are a man’s best friend,” says the Liberal leader.
“Well, Buddy is a Prime Minister’s best friend.”
DAY FOUR
State Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas with children Jack, Sophie and Eliza, and pet chooks Sarah and Poppy
The Malinauskas family says chickens make egg-cellent pets.
“Our children Sophie, Jack and Eliza love our chickens,” says Labor leader Peter Malinauskas of his family’s little flock.
“Father Christmas delivered them a few years ago as a present for the kids. I’ll never forget the look on the kids’ faces the first time they saw them.”
DAY FIVE
Independent MP Rebekha Sharkie with dog Lulu
Lulu is 68kg of unconditional love for Mayo MP Rebekha Sharkie. No matter what time the politician comes home from work, without fail, the great dane greets her with a wet nose – and a wagging tail.
DAY SIX
Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese with dog Toto
Politics is a hard game, but Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese knows he will always be met by his loyal companion, Toto, when he returns home.
“When I’ve been away for a bit – in parliament or out on the road – there’s nothing quite like getting back and opening the front door,” Mr Albanese says.
“In that moment of wild joy, Toto is poetry in commotion.”
DAY SEVEN
Senator Penny Wong with dog Shadow
Without a shadow of a doubt, South Australian Senator Penny Wong’s beloved pooch has been a source of comfort during the trying Covid-19 pandemic.
The Labor senator says her playful black labrador, named Shadow, is a lovely “lockdown dog”.
“Like so many other families, we succumbed to some very strong representations from our daughters during the long stretches at home at the start of the pandemic,” she said.
DAY EIGHT
Liberal MP and member for Sturt James Stevens with dog Frankie
Man’s best friend has helped Liberal MP James Stevens and his family fend off pandemic loneliness.
Their ex-Guide Dogs SA labrador, Frankie, has been nothing short of a treasured companion through the trying times.
“Dogs are such wonderful companions, and over the last few years with social distancing rules, they have been a godsend,” said Mr Stevens.
DAY NINE
Governor Frances Adamson with dog Alfie
Governor Frances Adamson’s cavoodle, Alfie, likely has not yet visited every room in his new stomping ground at Government House.
Alfie is still adjusting to his new dwelling, but Ms Adamson said he is “full of that cavoodle spirit” and loves all his new visitors.
“Alfie loves welcoming people to Government House, but he’s finding the size of the house and grounds a lot to cover for one small dog,” Ms Adamson said.
DAY 10
Speaker Dan Cregan with dog Ted
As the newly appointed Speaker of the South Australian House of Assembly, Dan Cregan knows a thing or two about a dogfight but at home he prefers to relax with his best friend Ted.
“Ted’s the kind of dog you can take anywhere and he loves people,” Mr Cregan said.
But the mostly well-tempered labrador does have one enemy…
DAY 11
Adelaide Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor and border collie Scout
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor is a sucker for puppy dog eyes.
Scout, a border collie who was the runt of her litter, came into the Verschoor family’s life in January 2020 and it was love at first sight.
“Scout is the most gorgeous, affectionate, intelligent and naughty dog,” Ms Verschoor says.
“Everyone who meets her falls in love with her and she’s a popular visitor at the Adelaide Town Hall, where she makes everyone melt with her beautiful nature – not to mention those big puppy dog eyes.”
Ms Verschoor says Scout, a working dog, has boundless energy and keeps her active.
“My weekends are often spent taking her for long walks in the Adelaide Parklands, exploring local walking trails and visiting dog parks,” she says.
DAY 12
Labor MP Leon Bignell and kelpie Dusty
Two years ago, Kangaroo Island suffered devastating bushfires.
While the pain remains, there has been light at the end of the tunnel – kelpie Dusty managed to survive and find his forever home with Labor MP Leon Bignell.
“The thing I love most about Dusty is that he is a symbol of hope and a companion to so many people outside our family,” Mr Bignell said.
“Having survived the Kangaroo Island bushfires which destroyed his house and farm he was on two years ago, he’s gone on to become an online companion for people locked down during Covid and a fundraiser for farm firefighters on Kangaroo Island.”
He’s done more than just be a companion dog. Last December, Dusty released his own beer called Dusty Draught which raised $3500 to buy fire blankets for farmers on Kangaroo Island.
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