Thank you to Tanya Robinson for taking the time to read and review my book Merigal Dingoes
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A marvellous anthology of stories which reveal, among other insights, what it is like to live with a dingo and the challenges that and the running of a dingo sanctuary hold. Those who are not from Australia or have no links with the country, may not appreciate for generations dingoes were designated as vermin to be ‘legally’ ‘disposed’ of as and when encountered. This is the fundamental situation and attitude underlying these revealing tales.
Intertwined with the dingo tales are some elemental accounts of the decades long battles Berenice Walters, founder of the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary, had with Australian authorities to have the dingo recognised as a breed of dog rather vermin to be exterminated without thought.
A long standing debate, among some, regards the question of whether animals have spirits, souls, etc. in the same manner as humans. Whatever a reader’s opinion it cannot be denied they certainly have personalities with some even displaying evident character traits. This book assuredly proves the point. Within these anecdotal stories there is a mixture of humour; sorrow; love; dedication; commitment; challenges; battles; and achievement (success). No more will be said so as not to spoil the enjoyment for prospective readers.
A couple of points readers should be aware of:
Though Pamela King is shown as the primary author, the book is actually a collection of stories or accounts written by numerous individuals, including Pamela King. Some go back decades. Readers will note some would benefit from a little editing nevertheless, to have done so may have ruined authenticity.
Though the chapters are generally short most include a lot of information (interesting and educational). This can result in it being slight tiring to read too many in one go. It is suggested the best approach would be to read in short bursts to enable the details to be assimilated properly.
The book also includes an excellent range of photographs.
Four stars (4*).
The book is available in paperback and digital (kindle e-book) formats.
Note: To some extent, though the book stands on its own feet and should be read as such, it is also a precursor to the biography of Berenice Walters (founder of the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society and the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary) the author is currently in the process of writing. One to look forward to with anticipation.
Pamela
King Amazon Author Page
Pamela
King Goodreads Author Page
At our last Writers’ Group meeting we had an exercise in character development. We randomly drew a name, occupation and physical feature. My random draws were James, a mortician and blind. We were then given a few minutes to write a 50-100 word story about our character.
Here is my little story:
James felt his way to the back room of the funeral parlour. Although his handicap would prove difficult for most, his dedication to his calling helped him overcome the loss of his eyesight. He knew every inch of the place.
He was proud of his skills and content with his lot in life.
That was until today. As he bent over the coffin to prepare his client, a voice boomed, “What am I doing in here? I asked for rosewood not oak!”
Pamela
King Amazon Author Page
Pamela
King Goodreads Author Page
The first day of creation, God created the dog.
The second day of creation, God created man to serve the dog.
The third day, God created furniture for the dog to use as he wishes.
The fourth day, God created the tennis ball so that the dog might or might not retrieve it.
The fifth day, God created honest toil so that man could labour for the good of the dog.
The sixth day, God created veterinary science to keep the dog healthy and the man broke.
The seventh day, God tried to rest ... but he had to walk the dog.
The year 1953, the first year I have vague memories of Christmas. It was also the year of our first Christmas in Australia. My family was small, just Mum, Dad and me. We had no extended family to celebrate, except for Mum’s brother and his wife who we lived with at the time.
Dad particularly missed his family and the traditional English Christmas. He recalled Christmas’ past of aunts, uncles and cousins joining together in badly sung carols; a wondrous feast, snow, open fires and presents, often hand made with love.
My aunt and uncle decided to take a holiday leaving just the three of us to celebrate on our own. Mid December had been exceptionally hot and, of course, nothing like my father’s fond memories of home. I believe this was the time he felt the most homesick for his beloved England.
Money was tight because he had not long found work after months of difficult searching. Evidently, he couldn’t get a job because he wasn’t a member of the union and he couldn’t join the union because he didn’t have a job. Finally, he got work in a non-union factory.
But, homesickness and lack of money was not going to stop the pleasure of Christmas. He wanted to make sure his little family enjoyed a full day by introducing some new traditions.
The first was a stocking waiting on the end of my bed on Christmas morning. It was partly to keep me (and 11 years later also my brother) quiet for a short time. It didn’t work because we would head into Mum and Dad’s bedroom and jump on the bed to share the toy, fruit, nuts and other small items our stocking contained.
There were no big presents first thing. The stocking and its contents kept us happy while Dad cooked a traditional English breakfast. Only after breakfast could we open our ‘real’ presents. Like most other baby boomers, we generally only received one present although there may have been small parcels from overseas sitting under the tree.
We didn’t look for more. We happily played with our new gift until lunchtime which was always a full roast dinner with all the trimmings, regardless of the weather. Having crackers with our dinner gave us more trinkets to amuse us while Dad slept off the meal and Mum cleaned up.
But it didn’t end there. After a light supper of leftovers from lunch, Dad announced his second surprise. There were presents on the tree for us! At the time these little novelty gifts would have only cost a couple of shillings but over the years they became the most eagerly anticipated part of the day with constant requests of “Can we open the tree presents now?”
My immediate family now consists of husband (Italian) and grown up children (son, stepson, daughter in law) and my beautiful two-year-old granddaughter.
My family’s traditions, at son and step son’s requests are included in the combination of English, Australian and Italian traditions we now observe.
I still put together stockings with treats, toys and trinkets for everyone. They are still the first things we receive, and we still exchange “tree presents”. They remain the highlight of our gift giving. Sometimes they are handmade; mostly they are humorous; occasionally they will bring a tear to an eye and often they won’t even fit on the tree!
They are always there and always given in fun and love.
Pamela
King Amazon Author Page
Pamela
King Goodreads Author Page
I was telling my adult children recently about how we wished people happy Christmas when I was young - in the days before technology – before emails, text messages and social media.
We received so many Christmas cards they were a considerable part of our decorations, hung over venetian blinds, slid between books on the shelf and festooning windows.
Those from distant friends and relatives were packed with long letters on how the family had passed the year. We gathered round as Mum or Dad read them aloud, eagerly catching up on all the news. The few cards we receive today look meagre by comparison. Like homemade gifts, the greatest joy was to receive handcrafted cards from children.
We tried to ring those dearest to us, but it was not easy. Phone lines, especially Christmas eve and morning were jammed. You kept dialling numbers until you succeeded in getting through. To call overseas, via the international exchange, was a greater challenge.
Most overseas parcels were sent by surface mail and the need for early purchases six weeks in advance had to be kept in mind. I recall the difficulty of buying Christmas wrapping paper that far in advance. It’s strange when you think how early stores bring out Christmas paraphernalia now.
Emails were first to begin replacing greeting cards. Sometimes they were personalised but often they were mass addressed. Of course, they were also cheaper. It’s sad to think we take the easy way out. Is it because we don’t really care any more or, are we just lazy cheapskates?
Today it seems a quick post on social media of someone else’s picture and words is considered sufficient to wish family and friends good wishes of the season and the approaching new year.
Thank you to Tanya Robinson for taking the time to read and review my book Merigal Dingoes
