Madison, the therapy dog

Published in Stuff's PET OF THE DAY on 18th January 2017

Madison is a 7-year-old huntaway who thinks life is one continuous ball game.

Madison came to me as an 8-week-old puppy. Her dad was a huntaway, her mum a Rhodesian ridgeback.

She loves running and frequently outruns the cyclists on the Camborne walkway. She loves riding in the car and hates being left at home on her own, unless I am going to work. Wherever I go, Madison tags along.

She also hates loud noises and hides whenever she hears lawnmowers or trimmers.

Because she loves giving people cuddles so much, I registered us both with Canine Friends Pet Therapy in 2012.

We started visiting at Whitby Rest Home and now also include Summerset at Aotea and Mash Trust in Ranui. Madison doesn't stop smiling from the minute she walks through the door.

For Christmas she wore a Santa suit with flashing lights and bells, and we are working on her Halloween and daffodil costumes. She shows off to get tummy rubs and can high five and say her prayers.

In the past year or so Madison has been diagnosed with arthritis and a heart murmur. Although, apart from regular injections and hydrotherapy, you would never realise anything was amiss because she still chases cyclists and rounds up the seagulls near the inlet.

While she is happy to solicit cuddles and kisses from the residents of the facilities we visit, woe betide should I ever dare pat another dog. She knows how to make sure she is my main dog every day of the week.