Furry friends not just a child's toy

AS THE pride of Mooloolaba, Archie the Groodle is considered a celebrity among the dog loving residents.

PASSION FOR PAWS: Brenda Abbey has written a children's book and Archie the dog is the star. Picture: John McCutcheon

AS THE pride of Mooloolaba, Archie the groodle is considered a celebrity among the dog-loving residents.

The fun-loving pup is so famous he has a "autobidography” written about him; a children's book describing Archie's daily adventures.

The idea of the book began when his owners, Brenda and Brian Abbey, decided to combine their passion of writing and caring for their beloved Archie to convey their philosophy to young kids.

To Brenda, it's simple: "Children do innately love animals, but they don't innately know how to care for their basic needs.”

As a previous director of a childcare centre, Brenda believes "there is no emphasis on how to look after domestic pets” in the school curriculum, as opposed to wildlife.

She suggested communication in the classroom to teach children how feed, walk and wash their pets could decrease the rate of dogs ending up in pounds.

"It has to be something that's taught, it doesn't come naturally to them to think about the dog's basic needs,” she said.

"Children follow what we say and do, so leading by example will make the world of difference.”

The education should begin at home, Brenda said, as children should bear the duty of basic care for their pets instead of leaving it up to their parents.

"It's important children take the responsibility also,” she said. "Dogs do have feelings and they're not just something to play with for young kids.”

RSPCA spokesperson Michael Beatty said Brenda's philosophy could have a lasting generational affect for our furry friends.

"If you can get through to the kids, you have a chance of them carrying it onto when they're parents with their own children,” he said.

Mr Beatty said "having an animal isn't a right, it's a privilege and with that comes responsibilities” and agreed with Brenda that children should be taught in school how to care for them.

Keep up with Archie's adventures at www.facebook.com/archiegroodle.