RSPCA seeks true tales of furry friends

THE RSPCA Australia is looking for real stories about Australians whose lives have been changed by the animals they love " stories like that of Teddy the Schnoodle and the Berriman family from Woonona.

Annette and Samantha Berriman had wanted a dog since they were children, but their father would never allow it, because local dogs often die in their area from tick-bites and other dangers that come with living near the bush.

However after 10 years of persistent begging, and with a bit of help from mum, Mr Berriman finally gave in and the path was laid for a new addition to the family.

When Annette and Samantha found Teddy he was the only puppy from his litter still left without a home - it was love at first sight.

The little Schnauzer/Poodle cross ran to the girls as soon as he saw them, and none of them have looked back since.

Now, a few months on, Teddy is as much a part of the family, and is apparently becoming a master manipulator.

"He's pretty much a person," Samantha said.

"Like if you're angry at him and he knows it he'll sook as if to say "?why are you man at me?"

Annette said she also found her pet to have some very human-like characteristics.

"Whenever he meets someone new he puts on this "?I'm deprived' act," Annette said, adding that their young dog had learned to shake, as if cold or scared, whenever it served his purposes.

Teddy is also unusually adept at standing on his hind-legs, adding to the impression that he is just another family member.

Both Annette and Samantha said that they love having Teddy around, especially when one of them is home alone.

Despite his size, and tendency to act pathetic, Teddy is apparently an excellent guard dog,

Unfortunately not all animals are as lucky as Teddy and all owners not as good as the Berrimans.

Each year the RSPCA accepts around 135.000 animals into its care and investigated more than 46.000 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect.

The RSPCA hopes that by encouraging people like the Berrimans to tell their stories about how animals have improved their lives they will be able to highlight the benefits of owning a pet and the importance for the community of keeping these animals cared for.

For information or to tell your story call 02 6282 8300 or email: news@rspca.org.au