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Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre - NSW
Crusader Hillis Winnie the almost 14-year-old smooth collie has developed a bit of an obsession for sleeping in the clumps of native grasses under the eaves of the footy club rooms. She is at her absolute happiest sleeping outside, and the place she chose is sheltered from rain and wind. It is in the midst of a busy thoroughfare and she loves life going on around her. The people around here, including footy club officials and centre staff, seem to give Winnie free reign. She has proven herself to be perennially calm and friendly, frisky and keen to play if a puppy surfaces, and during daylight hours she is forever scanning the ovals for a dog on the horizon. Shes also a little bit senile. They understand that Winnie is on her last legs, still they are all very patient and forgiving as she uses those last legs occasionally to flatten a clump of grass. Ive learned how to steer her to open ground behind the clumps, and I also fluff the grasses back up before we move on. Winnies love of this sports complex is based in her love of the dogs and their human companions who use the ovals. She also has a special bond with lots of the kids, being endlessly patient even now when pain and difficulties walking can be very pronounced. Winnie tries her hardest to get to the park as often as possible and we are very grateful she has a place where she can spend time surrounded by the scents and sounds and views that keep her so full of enthusiasm for life. And every once in a while I too will fall for the serenity of the park and start snoozing. She is kitted out in a dry coat, with a thick waterproof mat beneath her and often I put a blanket on top of her. Getting her to go home, no matter how many hours have passed w
ile she sleeps, is hard work. Winnie has perfected all the stalling techniques, and is particularly adept at quietly hooking her lead around trees and posts, causing her no additional pressure but stopping the ealker dead in their tracks. As I attempt to wind back to her to bring her forward again, Winnie has already begun doubling back to the grass, dragging me with a force that reminds me of a small tug boat. It is difficult to remember that this stubborn divine dog wont be around for much longer. Her passion for living and acceptance of her limitations has been a humbling and privileged experience to go through, even if at times the sheer amount of care she requires can leave me worn out and ragged.