By Luke Voogt
Big-eating, energetic pooch Dora will join 80-year-old owner Peter Dessent on Geelong Million Paws Walk for the eighth year running next month.
The walk is a family affair for Dora, who will pad alongside Peter, daughter Carolyne and granddaughter Alice at Eastern Gardens on 21 May.
“It’s amazing there are so many dogs and they all get along,” Carolyne said.
Peter described Highton beagle Dora as a connoisseur of odd treats, from chewing gum to Alice’s lip balm.
“She’ll eat anything in sight,” Peter said.
The clever canine even prised open a container a child would struggle with, digging into wife Norma’s medication and causing a costly trip to the vet.
“She got it open as clean as a whistle,” Peter said.
Dora’s parents spoiled their beloved beagle, Carolyn said.
“She had to go on a diet because the grandparents were feeding her too much.”
Peter bought Dora – his first dog in 20 years – to get him walking and so his grandchildren could spend time with a pet.
“It’s great for your health,” he advised.
Dora, who shares her namesake’s love of exploring, follows Peter like a shadow on walks.
But she won’t let him pick her up.
“Only Alice can do that,” Peter explained.
“Stubborn” Dora was also a “class comedian” at obedience school with “a mind of her own”, he said.
But Peter’s grandchildren stepped up to tame the perky pup, albeit with the occasional food bribe.
“Grandfather trains her the wrong way,” Alice said.
