Dogs of Oz: Retiring Gold Coast councillor Dawn Crichlow and Princess Pookie’s mission beyond council
Gold Coast dog Princess Pookie and her beloved owner Dawn Crichlow are about to farewell the city's council chambers. Here's what they have planned next.
Gold Coast
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WELL-KNOWN Gold Coast dog Princess Pookie and her beloved owner Dawn Crichlow are about to farewell Southport’s council chambers.
But they both have grand plans after leaving Division 6.
When Dawn’s husband Desmond Crichlow was admitted to De Paul Villa retirement home in 2011 after a stroke – the councillor’s life changed dramatically.
But Ms Crichlow said when her heart was broken – an angel arrived.
“When Desmond went into Barry House permanently Princess Pookie lived there 24/7.
“Her and her brother were adopted from AWL by the retirement home staff.
“I would go at 3pm in the afternoon to visit my husband to give him a treat and Princess would wait for me at the door.
“She got to love me.
“Two days before Desmond passed away she did not leave his bed. When Desmond left us De Paul Villa said that I could take her home for the weekends and then in 2013 I had her permanently.
“She now runs my life and I love every minute with her.”
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Cr Crichlow said after leaving the City of Gold Coast council after almost 30 years, her and her pooch plan to volunteer with Rosie’s, Lifeline and start an Italian restaurant to feed the homeless.
“A place where the community can buy a meal and then pay-forward a meal for the homeless,” she said.
“We just want to make a positive change.”
GET READY FOR A WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF ALL THE DOGS OF OZ
Pookie, who was dubbed a Princess by a Waitangi chief visiting from New Zealand, is also a member of the CWA, and Southport Bowls Club, and the Gold Coast Historical Society.
Now, at the age of 15, the Maltese Shitzu suffers from dementia but still spends her days at Ashmore’s De Paul Villa and nights and weekends at home Ms Crichlow.
Ms Crichlow said to keep an eye out for Princess Pookie and her pink stroller on Scarborough Street, and the Princess Pookie product range of olive oil, pale ale, and honey they “share about it the community”.
“Princess is getting old but she still has the best wardrobe of clothes and gets her nails painted,” she said.
“We have kept a book of adventures, and golly she has had a good life.
“But at the end of the day Princess is my best friend and is the best person to talk to.”
Originally published as Dogs of Oz: Retiring Gold Coast councillor Dawn Crichlow and Princess Pookie’s mission beyond council