Cover story: Dog Days & Afternoons

dog days afternoons

Subiaco has more than its fair share of dogloving residents. Gail Williams shakes paws with some of the most famous fur babies in town (and their owners).

If you want proof that dogs are Subiaco residents’ best friends, then head to the Farmers Markets on a Saturday morning.

There you’ll witness doggie heaven in full flight – Labradors chowing down on chicken necks from Barkday Paw-ty, Pomeranians getting tummy rubs while their owners enjoy a macchiato, Jack Russells wagging stubby tails when they recognise a friend and the odd greyhound singing along with the ukelele players.

It’s not surprising that furry friends are everywhere in our suburb. There are around 1,700 registered dogs in the City of Subiaco, a suburb where there are 17,914 people, making it one dog per 10 people.

Perhaps that’s why Subi residents are so happy and so healthy. Their doggy mates are getting them up early for exercise at one of seven off-lead parks, from Mueller Park to Rosalie and Subiaco Common.

Subi is also long-time host to the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Lemnos Street, Shenton Park, which has around 100 furry friends – unwanted, neglected, abandoned and abused dogs – at any one time waiting for adoption.

Pop in, and you can say “hello” to the memorial statue of Koko, Subiaco’s most famous dog. Koko was the red cloud kelpie star of the hit film, Red Dog, and was the beloved pet of the film’s producer, Nelson Woss.

Koko – who lived in Bedford Avenue – died in December 2012, and was an ambassador for the refuge. His death, from congestive heart disease, triggered more than $40,000 in donations to the charity.

But there are many dogs in Subi deserving of their own titles and accolades – the cheekiest, the naughtiest, the most faithful, the hardest working and even, the most unusual.

Here we introduce a few of them, and you might just recognise one or two.

Emmy Poulsen

Part owner of Boatrocker, makers of fine gin and vodka. Subiaco resident and volunteer at Hollywood Private Hospital. Potter and candle maker and general jack-of-all trades. Dog’s name: Henry

Every dog owner will tell you their dog experiences emotion, and body language is an indicator of whether their pet is feeling fear, frustration, anxiety, joy, relaxation and anticipation.

Emmy Poulson and her beloved Golden Retriever Henry, can add empathy to that list as they do their regular rounds as volunteers at Hollywood Hospital, providing comfort to the patients along the way.

Henry could just be Subiaco’s hardest working dog. Here Emmy shares the love. And there’s a lot to give.

“Henry is a local boy who was born on Christmas Eve, nine-and-a-half years ago. We got into volunteering at aged care facilities in Sydney and started at Hollywood five years ago in the geriatric and palliative care wards as a love and cuddles dog to patients, their families and staff.

“Over the years we have made special friends where Henry has been with some of those patients in their final hours.”

It is as if he gives them his energy to make their final journey.

“It is a very rewarding role as many have got pets at home and others have had dogs in years gone by. Henry takes their minds off what is going on in hospital, if only for a short while.”

He is also a big fan of some of the treats he gets when the patients feed him!

“We have been approached in the street when walking with people asking if it was Henry, and then we are told that they were the relative of someone who was in Hollywood, or they have a photo of Henry and their relative in their home.

“It makes me realise we do bring a lot of happiness to so many while they are in hospital.

“We love going out and having coffee in Subiaco where Henry is made welcome by many. He often gets dog treats at Boucla. Melograno also make him very welcome and they serve the best Bircher muesli. Community Coffee give him lots of cuddles too. The girls in the chemist love to come out from behind the counter to get cuddles as well.

“Henry is the most amazing dog, so loyal and loving. He has this uncanny ability to read people and know when they need some extra love.

“He knows when I put on my Hollywood uniform exactly where we are going, and a smile comes to his face and he is ready to go to work."

Wendy Page

Co-owner Thomas Meihofer Jewellery Design. Dog’s name: Dexter (pictured above with Thomas Meihofer) Breed: Xoloitzcuintle, an ancient breed originating in Mexico.

Dexter may just be Subiaco’s most reluctant celebrity. Shy and retiring, the hairless Mexican dog takes up his usual position working a full day job with his owner, Wendy Page, as she deals with customers in their jewellery shop. Wendy is used to customer curiosity but Dexter . . . hmmm, not so much. His body language says: “I just want to be alone”. Challenge accepted! Tell us about Dexter’s breed. Xolos bones have been found in artefacts dating back 3,000 years to Toltec, Aztec and Mayan cultures. They were considered protectors from evil spirits and guardians in the afterlife, often being buried with their owners in order to lead them through the underworld. On a more practical level, they were also watch dogs and a food source! How did you come by such an unusual breed of dog? We wanted a dog that didn’t shed a lot of hair, wasn’t drooly and had a calm disposition to fit into our lifestyle and come to work with us.

We found the only breeder at that time in Australia.

I met her at a dog show and while all of the other breeds were barking and hyperactive, the Xolos were elegant and graceful, just looking around calmly at the chaos surrounding them.

We waited patiently for two years for Dexie to be born. How does Dexter exhibit his anxiety issues? He is anxious of people he doesn’t know and of other dogs. His anxiety became very apparent on his first visit to our shop when he left a trail of poops all over the floor.

Otherwise, anyone that Dexter doesn’t know who wants to pay him any attention gets barked at.

Of course, as he is such a unique dog, everyone wants to say 'hello' to him!

He is the typical reluctant celebrity. Favourite outdoor place in Subiaco for you and Dexter? We haunt Kings Park constantly for long, relaxing walks with lots of sniffing. Most unusual story involving you and Dexter? Last year, after were swooped by a magpie in Subiaco Council Gardens, Dexter decided to chase it while I wasn’t paying attention.

I ended up completely airborne and landing heavily on my wrist.

While sitting on the pavement, trying to call my partner (it took seven calls before he picked up), Dexter repeatedly attempted to get even with the magpie.

I ended the day in the emergency room with a fractured and dislocated wrist, soon followed by surgery and months of rehabilitation. What is his favourite treat? Fish twists, closely followed by dehydrated bull penis.

Kim Knight

Co-owner Bar Amelie and business owner and general manager of the Regal Theatre. Dog’s Name: Pepper Pepper, the resident Border Collie at Bar Amelie, is the kind of gal you could become best friends with. In fact, many customers of the dogfriendly bar already have. And it’s the first question many would-be friends ask when they walk in - where’s Pepper?

And that puts a big smile on the face of her real BFF, Kim Knight. How did you acquire Pepper? I found her on a Border Collie page on Facebook the day she was born, and I messaged the owners straight away. She was the only girl in the litter and I met her when she was a week old on my first visit to see her. Favourite outdoor place for you both? Cliff Sadlier park. Do you have a Subi ritual? We like to ride around on my bike in Subi when the sun is shining, and Pepper loves to run with me. Best dog-friendly staff in Subiaco? She doesn’t mind sitting at the Subi Hotel as everyone passes her stops to give her pats. What do you find so rewarding about your relationship with Pepper? She never answers me back and is always happy to do what I want to do. What is the coolest dog name you have ever heard? I love Disco. This is a beautiful Golden Retriever that Pepper loves to play with. What silly pet name do you have for your dog? Sometimes she gets called Monkey.

Denise Cheir

Subiaco resident of 20 years, nonexecutive director, Perron Institute. Volunteer, Dogs Refuge Home. Dog’s name: Boy George

Denise Cheir and her cheeky Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) are a regular sight on their walks around Subiaco as they stop to say 'hello' to friends and fans of the scruffy little bloke they all know as 'George'.

When Denise is not busy with her schedule at Perron Institute, leaders in neuroscience throughout the world, you’ll find her in her regular volunteer role at the Dogs’ Refuge Home in Shenton Park, matching abandoned dogs with the right owners. How did you acquire Boy George? He came from a prominent breeder from WA at a time when we needed some joy in our lives: my mum had recently died and I knew that having a cheerful and affectionate puppy would help. How would you describe his personality? Lively, very intelligent, has a sense of humour and definitely an air of selfimportance. Favourite outdoor place for you both? Subi Common – we have made lots of doggie and human friends since our debut, and we enjoy the interaction and friendship on all levels. Do you have a Subi ritual? You will find me (and Boy George) at Juanita’s on Thursday evenings; Café Melograno Friday lunchtimes; Café Café Saturday mornings and St Andrew’s Anglican Church Sunday mornings. Best dog-friendly staff in Subiaco? He’s been coming to church with me since he was 12-weeks old, so he knows the Christian ropes and enjoys catching up with Father Peter. Have you made Subi friends through your dog? Everyone knows and loves Boy George. I would like to think that the village environment of Subi prompts friendships, with or without a dog, but he certainly breaks the ice. What do you find so rewarding about your volunteering with the Dogs' Refuge Home? I love dogs. When you see a dog who has been abandoned arrive with its head down, a confused, hurt look in its eye, it makes you determined to help find a new, loving, permanent home. We don’t get much official financial support, so we fundraise ourselves, we stretch every dollar to the max.

Tania Watton

Owner-manager, BOQ Subiaco. Dog’s Name: Harry

If Hangs Espresso in Crossways Shopping Centre is the heart and soul of Subiaco then Harry is its biggest, hairiest fan.

You’ll often find him there with his devoted owner, Tania Watton, who works nearby in her BOQ office, overseeing him wolfing down the little treats given to him by the friendly staff. What breed of dog is Harry? A ruby/caramel Cavoodle. How did you come about getting him? After years of my two sons begging me to get a dog I finally caved in, given they would be going to university and we would be home to look after him. Do you and he have a favourite Subi ritual? Harry and I walk up from West Leederville most Saturday mornings to drop my car off for a clean and stop for a nice coffee in Subiaco.

I usually try different places given the broad amount of cafes now opening up in this wonderful part of Perth. How do dogs enhance the vibe of Subiaco? We have many clients who come in BOQ with their dogs, so dogs make such a difference, especially given age demographics as lots of older people love to mingle with the dogs. At Hangs Café not only do people get to socialise but so do their dogs. Sharlene Lee

Owner, Circles Hair Salon. Dog’s name: Pina Pina the Poodle could have many different titles. But we’re going to go with the prettiest. That’s a no-brainer. When your owner happens to be an award-winning hair stylist who has toyed with the tresses of the rich and famous - along with many a faithful Subi resident - for the past 30 years, you have a huge advantage with your grooming.

And Pina appears to be as popular as she is pretty at Circles where she plays receptionist with a lick of charm and an over-excited welcome - but sometimes falls asleep on the job. How did you come by Pina? I brought her out from Sydney through COVID because it was such a uncertain time and I wanted to boost morale in the salon. What is her role in the salon? She greets clients on arrival, and she enjoys lots of cuddles and kisses from the team and clients. Pina’s favourite position is sleeping on the front desk. How do customers react to her? They absolutely love her and go crazy every time they see her. She brings a calm energy to the salon. Dog-friendly places in Subiaco? Glamour Nails - Pina comes with me every three weeks to have my mani and pedi. Bark bar (with that name, why would it not be dog-friendly?) and Golden West Brewing Co.

Ian and Robyn Gatjens

Owner/Chef, El Peruvian Food Co. Dogs' names: Deniro and Ellie

Ian Gatjens is as well known for being a generous, empathetic soul as he is known for his approach to giving back to the community. During COVID, the kind-hearted chef from Lima was offering free coffees to nurses on the front line.

It seems he and Robyn are just as popular with dogs and dog owners, as their two furry friends share their doggy love with customers. Naturally, when customers ask a question Ian often replies “you talkin’ to me?” Here’s why: Your dogs’ breeds: Deniro is Bullmastiff cross Staffy and Ellie is Staffy cross Labrador. How long have you had them? Eight and three years. Favourite dog-friendly cafe in Subiaco? El Peruvian Food Co (of course). Friendliest staff in Subi for dogs? El Peruvian Food Co (see above). What is the strangest animal friend your dog has? A cat called Evi. Cathryn Bahen

Real Estate Agent, Tsokos. Dog’s name: Elvis

Cath Bahen is the original poster girl for Subiaco. Literally. Her face is plastered over For Sale signs right throughout the suburb, and beyond.

The popular real estate agent with Tsokos was born in Subiaco and has been selling character homes in her stomping ground for two decades. Her grandfather, Clem Bahen, grew up on Subiaco Road and played footy for Subiaco in the 1920s.

The former teacher has lived in the United States, the Middle East and the UK, but Subi is her greatest love. As a publican’s daughter, she knows how to get the lowdown on her suburb’s best haunts. Here she shares them. What is your favourite go-to place in Subi to exercise your dog, Elvis? Cliff Sadlier Park in Daglish, as it is a beautiful dog park surrounded by quiet streets with little traffic. It is a real community down there at any time of day and has become a lovely dog family. Where would we find you and Elvis having a coffee on a Saturday morning? Community Coffee or Boucla. Both make excellent coffee and welcome Elvis and I warmly. How did you come across Elvis? During the pandemic, jet pets were not flying into Perth so I drove to Forster, NSW, to pick him up. That turned into an 18,000km road trip taking five weeks. It was the final road trip for my old dog Wally who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Doggie -friendly Subi cafés

There are some places that go above and beyond just putting out a dog bowl. Here are some Subi joints that get a huge doggie, slightly slobbery lick of approval. Cafe Café Subiaco Square Road, Subiaco Brunch Makers 115 Rokeby Road Subiaco Little Rokeby Café 269 Rokeby Road, Subiaco Whisk Creamery 151 Rokeby Road, Subiaco Jaffle Shack 95 Rokeby Road, Subiaco Cafe Melograno 67 Heytesbury Road, Subiaco Hole in the Wall Cafe Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley Rd, Subiaco

How long have you lived in Subiaco and what makes it so special? I have lived in Subiaco for nearly 25 years but have been working in Subiaco for 32 years. Subiaco is not just where you live, it’s a tribe. My next door neighbour changed my tyre the other day, when he noticed it was flat. Subi wouldn’t be Subi without . . . The beautiful character houses and tree-lined, narrow streets. It was where my family first settled when they moved over from Richmond, Victoria, at the turn of last century. Fave Friday night drinks haunt? I am quite a fan of Bark. Small, intimate, and the owners are really friendly. I look forward to more small establishments opening up soon too. perth. 316 rokeby rd, subiaco wa. 08 9388 3131 broome. dampier terrace chinatown EDITION 9 | 2022 21 & cable beach club resort