Sir Tater-tot The Ambassadog

by Lily Whiting

In our first ever interview with a dog we chatted/barked with Ambassadog from the Dogs Home of Tasmania, Sir Tater- Tot. He shares all the wonderful things that have happened to him since being adopted from the shelter. Tater’s interview was help along by mum Michelle Jones, Behaviour Trainer/Vet Nurse at Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania ahead of International Dog Day on 26 August.

Name: Sir Tater-Tot.

Age: 18 month old male.

Breed: My vet records say I’m a Jack Russell X terrier, but my mum tells me I am a Dogs Home special and 100% good boy.

Favourite treat? I love a cow hoof stuffed and frozen. My favourite stuffings are steak, chicken and yoghurt.

Favourite adventure with your new family: My mum and I work at the Dogs Home so everyday is an adventure! I love hanging out with staff, volunteers and the dogs, especially the greyhounds!

How long were you at the shelter before being adopted? I was only at the shelter a week or two before my mum fell in love and fostered me.

When did your new family adopt you, and who do you live with? My mum fostered me for a few months while she applied for a kennel licence and now I live with her, my two teenage human sisters and two fur brothers. We also have two cats, a cow, a sheep, a goat and a pony. I love them all! There are some pesky chickens here as well but mum says I’m not allowed to chase them away.

How do you feel being in your new home after living in the shelter and going through the adoption process? The staff took great care of me and I love them all but there’s nothing like having your own warm bed and a family to call your own. I was lucky my mum works at the shelter and spotted me straight away. She was looking for the perfect dog to help with a very important job of teaching the greyhounds how to be well behaved around small dogs like me so they can attain their muzzle free status. I’m also learning how to be the perfect ambassadog from my big fur brother Norm.

For people with a certain breed in mind, what would you say to those looking to adopt a new furry friend from a shelter? I know lots of people have a specific breed in mind when looking for a dog but I would recommend taking the time to look at all the dogs available. We all have very different temperaments and personalities, you might be very surprised at who you end up falling in love with if only you’d spend the time meeting and learning about everyone. My mum loves big dogs so she never in a million years thought she would own a 6kg Jack Russell X and a 72kg Mastiff X, and now we are all joined at the hip.

Did you need extra support to fit in with your new family? I needed a lot of help with toilet training as I wasn’t used to being indoors so much and car rides were pretty overwhelming at the start. I still have the occasional accident, but mum says that’s her fault for not paying attention. As for the car, it didn’t take me long to realise that car rides are the start of each new adventure! I do like to chase the chickens so mum keeps me on a very long lead when we are out in the paddocks working and rewards me with yummy treats for ignoring them.

Not all dogs end up in shelters for the same reason, what situations have resulted in your friends looking for a new home? My first family surrendered me because they were worried their two very big dogs would hurt me. I’m glad they cared enough about me to keep me safe. My greyhound friends are surrendered when they can no longer race and make money for their owners. I’m glad they get a chance at having a family just like me. Some other friends have never had a family that loves them and others have families that cared very much but are unable to keep them for various reasons. Some have had owners who are homeless, other owners have passed away. Some just were not allowed to live where their owners were staying.

For humans looking to adopt, what is the best part about getting an animal from the shelter? You can give a second chance to one of my friends who have ended, drop and be good dogs which is great for people who don’t have time to train a puppy. Every dog that gets adopted from the shelter makes room for another dog to be helped. Supporting a not-for-profit whose priority is the best interest of all my four legged friends is a great feeling!

If you have space in your heart and home for a furry friend, or some extra treats and toys up your sleeve, consider supporting a wonderful shelter around our state.

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