Kiwi has a tough time when around larger dogs but this husky gets along with Kiwi swimmingly!
Kiwi the Red Heeler and Didge the Husky x Dingo, have now known each other for a few months but now get time to roam across the property, regularly swapping treats, fights and taking turns in the paddling pool each. haha.
Their friendship is blossoming and I’m looking forward to more adventures together. Here’s some more photos of them getting along: Enjoy!
May
Over 14 kilos of velociraptor, he has truly become part of the family, he can read a room and know when to be calm and quiet when were exhausted at the end of the day but he’s smart enough to tell you when he wants attention. We even need to keep the keys out of reach to his treat cabinet as he’s learnt how to unlock it himself.
With the hopes that I wont be going back into hospital much more, im hoping soon to help him find a way to outlet his herding instincts and let him try herding some farm animals (there is a service in melbourne for this)
I’m currently getting him to learn how to jump for targets, pull items on command, and extend his endurance for sled dog pulling the wheelchair for rural bike paths to explore in the future together.
April
I did get to be home for a few weeks between hospital visits in late April and got back into training him with basic jumping, agility concepts and improving his sled dog training skills.
March
During March my health deteriorated and I had a lot of support from my friends to help take care of him while I was in and out of hospital. His training went on hold but we were complimented that he was months ahead for his age.
At this time too he was gaining more than a kilo a week!
February
Fully Vaccinated and attended his first puppy training class. Was well ahead of the class with already mastering call and hand signals for sit, heel, stand up and fistbump
January
He was 2.4kg when I got him at 8 weeks old, born on December 1st. Little did we know what we were getting ourselves into and was a real mother with a newborn situation taking care of him. But within the first week, he knew his name, knew when we were calling him and was successfully house trained within the first few weeks
Over a month ago my dear Husky Kiro passed away, I didn’t think I would reach this point so soon, but it kind of happened naturally after discussing with some dear friends that I was ready for another dog in my life and how it would fit in. And the opportunity arose that I couldn’t pass up.
I would love to introduce you all to Kiwi, I picked him up from a breeder at a farm just outside of Ballarat, Victoria. He is an 8 week old Red Heeler (Australian Cattle Dog) and quite the adorable face licker.
He is bred and built for the Australian climate and will be my loyal companion as I explore the outback and wilderness over the years.
The trans community are one of the most at risk groups for assault or worse, a loyal working dog like this will help keep me safe on the campsite and wherever I go exploring.
Kiro taught me a lot about myself and rekindled my childhood love of the outdoors. While they are both, very different dogs, Kiwi has a big life of adventure ahead of him
Heelers are quite an intense breed and quite a challenge to train. I may be a wheelchair user but there should be no reason why I cannot.
I’m lucky that I have NDIS supporting my disability, an awesome support worker and services helping me take this opportunity to improve my own fitness as well as having a loving companion like this again in my life. Without this, it wouldn’t have been possible.
Keep an eye on my Instagram @AdaptiveExplorer to see regular photos of
his training and exploring life alongside me ð
Ashley Kahurangi 