Red dog came from Paraburdoo – he hitched rides on the trucks
with no shortage of offers, he rode doggy de luxe.
His short life had been hard and tough, one bloke gave him a break
though Red was independent and nobody’s name would take.
One time he had been named as Blue thought he was kelpie red
and Tally Ho was also tagged upon his canine head.
He’d travelled from Port Hedland to Dampier and Broome
all over the Pilbara where each year the wildflowers bloom.
He’d seen the gorges red rock walls, and seen the satiny gleam
of veils of water cascading down cliffs with rainbow sheen
of spray – the smoke that thunders – he’d heard white corellas call.
Unending expanse of desert? Yes Red Dog had seen it all.
The bloke he gave allegiance too – he sadly up and died
and Red Dog homeless and heartbroken hitched another ride.
He’d ridden shotgun in John’s bus that bought the miners out
from Rio Tinto’s Hamersley mine – a truckies dog no doubt.
The blokes chipped in on payday and started a bank account
for their red haired mate in case some time he needed helping out.
The bank was proud to advertise – ‘If Red banks at the Wales
then you can too.’ True story this – not just a doggy tale.
Red was a Union member – Transport Union of course
and a member of the Sports and Social club – a driving force.
A four wheel drive clubs named for him – this is a dog of note
but sadly old Red passed away. A Red Dog novel was wrote.
There’s a statue out at Dampier it shows a Kelpie who
bought communities together, and was loved by all he knew.
Red Dogs not there, he’s buried in a lonely unmarked grave
between Roebourne and Cossack – strychnine to this dog put paid.
They say it was deliberate – who set this dog a bait?
The local vet tried desperately to save his red haired Mate
But in the end he had to say ‘ Sorry Red it’s not fair.
Time to go old mate it’s time to go’ and put Red in Gods care.
He held within his caring hands the red head of the hound
and hoped that in his dying hours – his master John he’d found.
On one side of Reds collar it says ‘I’ve been everywhere’
the other says ' Bluey – Red Dog'. His story ended there.
Maureen Clifford © 05/11
Sure it will come as no surprise to know that the book written by Louise de Bernieres and called simply Red Dog has graced my book shelf for many years.
This is a true story - Red Dog was a Kelpie/Cattle Dog cross born in Paraburdoo in 1971. He became a real character throughout the Pilbara during the next 9 years. He was known to have travelled to Roebourne, Point Samson, Port Hedland, Broome, Tom Price and Perth. His amazing homing instinct saw him always returning to Karratha or Dampier.
He really did have his own bank account at the now defunct Bank of New South Wales (Westpac) and held a Union Ticket. Members of the town chipped in to cover his upkeep and Veterinary bills and he was loved by all who knew him. Fiercely independent when his beloved John died he hitched rides on trucks to all the old places they had been together. Many said he was searching for his master. He was poisoned by a strychnine bait, and the vet kept Red unconscious for 2 days until the tremors ceased in which time the story had gone round the town that Red was dead. For a while it seemed that Red Dog had recovered and the town rejoiced but it soon became apparent he had suffered terrible brain damage. He couldn't get up even though he was eating and the vet commented that 'when you look into an animals eyes and the light has gone out it is time to give up. Anything less would be too unkind.' He injected a final dose of morphine and Red Dog died on 20th November 1979.
