At Launceston airport Morri and I did first meet, when I said “oh Kyl’s he’s gorgeous” he piddled at my feet. When we arrived home I was so happy they were here, then I noticed on the carpet Morri had diarrhoea.

Those memories in my mind are still so much alive. There’s the one when in the West he showed me how he could dive. Down at the doggie beach we were Morri looking for the biggest stick, when Kyl’s said “come on Morri lets show Nanny our new trick.” Out along the rock wall both of them did stride, one eye on the wind the other on the tide, ready, get set, go Morri and off the rocks he did dive. The biggest bestest belly flop that one will ever see. The thought of it still makes me tremble at the knees.

Then there’s the day of the picnic. Morri in the car first, we packed his favourite Smackos and water for his thirst. We had spread the picnic hamper we were having so much fun, then suddenly Baxter decided to show us how he could run.  Off across the grass he flew with Morri taking chase and then followed Nanny making it an even race. Round him up Morri Nanny cried out from behind, but Morri had a better idea as a BBQ he had spied… Nanny yelled to Baxter, Baxter you must Stopppppp. Then she can see Morri nicking someone’s chop.

Rich and Kyl’s throw some great parties where you are wined and fed, and you know you’re always welcome when Morri humps you on the leg. Be it Xmas time dressed as Santa or in his reindeer ears, Morri makes a fashion statement he’s well respected by his peers. He loved checking peoples parcels in case a present he would find, or a prawn head at Clancy’s, Morri wouldn’t mind… a chip at Cicarellos with sauce if you have the time. Little Creatures Pizza he really thinks divine.

One day in Fremantle shopping I popped into the store and I was made so welcome by Morri at the door, jumping up to kiss me he scratched me with his paw. The kiss was very sloppy the scratch was very sore. Morri got into trouble and disappeared from sight. Then browsing through the undies a customer got such a fright, through all the lacy knickers and bras with pretty bows our dear little Morri had licked her on the toes.

The last time I saw Morri he was sleeping on his bed, dreaming of the good times and the great life he’d had. Chasing after seagulls, swimming through the surf - running after Baxter through the sprinkler on the turf. Long walks to the light house with Mum, Dad and the boys, running through the house playing with his toys. Trotting proudly through Fremantle where the streets are pathed with gold. He was 12 years young he was 12 years old.

Robyn Radford