A “Pawsitive” Yarraville Event
A “Pawsitive” Yarraville Event
Dusty has put my nails to shame! In preparation for our photo shoot, Veterinarian and owner of Yarraville Animal Hospital, Dr Rhonda Dunmill has given her cat, Dusty, a full set of perfectly manicured purple nails. The community will soon see much more than bright acryllics as dogs will be strutting (or maybe ‘bounding on stage is more the word) for “The Dog Parade” which is a highlight of The Yarraville Festival. I caught up with Rhonda to find out about her life as a vet and what to expect at this community oriented event.
How long have you been working here?
“I’ve been here for 15 years now. I feel like a real part of the community and live very close so get to walk to work which is excellent. We’ve done the fashion parade every year and it’s always such a memorable, fun-filled event.”
What do you love about the dog parade?
“The crowd receives so much enjoyment from it which is a real plus. It’s really great to see kids get involved and the whole family often partake in the process of preparing the outfit.”
What has the funniest dress up been?
“Last year there were two sausage dogs and they were dressed up as hot dogs which was absolutely hilarious. They had lettuce sleeves, big long bread rolls taped to their bodies and a little wrap around them. The dogs were hot dogs in the middle of the roll.”
Who won last year?
“Cadel Evans was the winner and the kids were dressed up in bike gear. I really loved seeing a pug with a t-shirt on that had a phone screen on it. The owners named their dog, iPug which is so clever. People come up with really cute ideas.”
What’s the prize this year?
“It’s a dog trophy, $100 and a voucher for Urban Paws Doggy Daycare.”
Tell me about your pets?
“Spider and Snoop dog. Spider is 15 years old and Snoop dog is about 8. I’ve only had Dusty for about a year. Dusty’s owner was in his 30’s and unfortunately passed away. His relatives rang up and said maybe we will put him to sleep so that he goes with the owner. Dusty now runs the place.”
Have you always wanted to be a vet?
“I’ve always wanted to be a vet and I think I have the best job in the world. When I was about 9 years old I wanted to something medical and with animals so a vet definitely ticked all of those boxes. Seeing the relationship between people and pets is so nice, animals are afterall an important part of your family. The more time you spend with them, the more you understand their unique personalities.”
