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. 

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.

Gold Coast Councillor Dawn Crishlow with her ‘best friend’ Princess Pookie in Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

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.”

DO YOU HAVE AUSTRALIA’S TOP DOG? ENTER NOW!

Gold Coast Councillor Dawn Crishlow and Princess Pookie love meeting locals on their walk down Scarborough Street. Picture: Jerad Williams

Tomorrow the Bulletin and Sunday Mail launch a quest to find Australia’s top dog at dogsofoz.com.au with a range of prices up for grabs including a doggie makeover, a trip to Sydney and $5000 Petbarn voucher.

Princess Pookie visits Ashmore’s De Paul Villa everyday. Picture: Jerad Williams

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.”

Princess Pookie is an Gold Coast icon and was dubbed a princess by a Waitangi chief visiting from New Zealand. Picture: Jerad Williams

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.

Gold Coast Councillor Dawn Crishlow with her dog Princess Pookie in Southport. Picture: Jerad Williams

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.”