Famous staffy Axle is now a huge pup-art masterpiece
He’s the dog that blew up social media with his fidget spinner tricks — now, Axle the staffy will be impossible to forget, as he looms down from an Edithvale wall. And the wonderful art work is all for a great cause.
Inner South
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A celebrity staffy whose fidget spinner tricks took social media by storm has been immortalised with his very own seaside mural.
Drivers headed towards Frankston along the Nepean Hwy will now be greeted by good boy Axle as they pass Edithvale IGA, after a fan-led campaign to paint the pup went viral on Facebook.
The head-turning art — which features the nine-year-old pet with angel wings and toys on his paws — was voluntarily completed by renowned artists Melissa Turner and Brigitte Dawson in a bid to help wildlife affected by the state’s scorching bushfires.
The crafty duo — from Melbourne’s Murals and Interior Design — was also the brains behind a Hosier Lane painting of comedian Celeste Barber who raised a whopping $50 million for the cause.
“Axle’s loyal followers donated almost $9000 to wildlife organisations in less than two weeks … someone ended up doing a petition to recognise the work he had done for the animals,” owner Belinda Shipp told the Leader.
“Melbourne Murals drove around the area searching for the perfect wall and found one in Edithvale … they were amazing and completed it in two days.
“The mural will help us raise funds for a new x-ray machine for Wildlife Haven to use on animals who were injured in the fires.”
Living in Sunbury, Ms Shipp works in administration but also doubles as her pets very own personal assistant, booking special guest appearances with TV, hospital pet therapy and dog expos.
The mother-of-two said her furry friend picked up his tricks after completing obedience school.
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“He was leaning up on my desk and I started balancing things on his nose … next, he was there with all three fidget spinners spinning.”
The RSPCA million paws walk ambassador has also landed a South African Pizza Hut advertisement and will be the main character starring in his owner’s upcoming book.
“I’m writing a kids book about Axle and how you shouldn’t judge dogs by their breed,” Ms Shipp said.
“There is a negative representation of staffys and I made the biggest mistake to judge them with what I had read and seen on TV … but when I met Axle he was totally the opposite and I feel guilty (for feeling that way).
“People are magnetised to him, he has a beautiful nature.
“I am blessed to be able to have an opportunity to shine this breed in a positive light.”
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au