“SALLY” AND “DIGGER”

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18595, 4 January 1935, Page 9

“SALLY” AND “DIGGER”

THE DUKE’S DOGS

TO WEAR SILVER MEDALS

“Sally” and “Digger,” the Australian leniers of H-s Royal Highness the Du. ■ jl Gloucester, are to have the distinction

of being the only dogs in New ~eaxund lo wear silver medals, making them the most honored dogs of the land. The silver medallions specially prepared and mgraved, and bearing the inscriptions “Rl” and “R2,” as pictorially reproduced in to-day’s Herald, were proffcied for His Royal Highnesses’ dogs hv the New Zealand Tail-Wagger’s Club for acceptance. Captain Howard Kerr, equerry fo the Duke, has written to the club as follows : "I am directed bv the Duke o*’ < llouces ,j j,..J.j. v -,„* fo,- .1-, t.v\o Nt-. x:ii] Tail W.igger medallions \vhl,*li y-.-n so kindly sent ior His Royal Highness' two Australian terriers. The Duke greatly appreciated your kind thought, and Ikki much pleasure in accepting the medallions.”

The Duke of Gloucester, as well as his ■brother, tile Prince of Wales, is interested in the English Tail-Waggers’ organisation whose work is being carried out by the New Zealand club which is affiliated to the parent body. In addition, however, to the issuing of medallions, the New Zealand club finds homes for unwanted dogs, cares for stray dogs, provides an ambulance service for injured dogs, and renders every possible service for the dog owners. The medallion system, which was instituted by the English club, works in this country through the polite headquarters in principal towns. By means of this. lost dogs are traced easily. The New Zealand club has offered the Duke the services of the club for his dogs if necessary.

The Australian breed of terrier was introduced into England by one or two noted people, including Lady Stradbroke. In Australia there are two kinds of this terrier, but one. however, is really the Svdney silkv terrier, which differs from the Australian terrier by virtue of its long and silky coat, which resembles that of the Yorkshire terrier. The Australian terrier is colored blue and tan. The coat is rough, and the hair no longer than two inches. Its build small and compact, and it has small, intelligent-looking eyes, and ears that are set straight upon the bead as though always pricked.