One of our dogs, well, a family member really, who we loved dearly, is no longer with us.

Nick (aka Nicholas Joseph Judy, Noodle Boy, Handsome Dan), 7 years old and so pretty, died a week ago and is buried here on the farm, in the orchard. We planted frangipani at his head and thyme at his feet.

Nick was beloved especially by Charlene, his Mum, and by Deb, his Mummatwo and is missed by Bucky, his big brother. Charlene and Deb picked up Nick when he was a pup, and he’s lived and travelled with them from city home to city home, from city to coast, and to his final home, here at Matiatia

He came into my life when he was 4, and I loved Nick too. He lived with me at the beach during his sea change phase, and loved to swim, thinking he could mix it with the dolphins way out in the river. He came running with me most mornings when I was living in the city down at Blackwattle Park, and more often than not ended up soaked after a flying leap from the esplanade into the water…

For Charlene, Nick was so important to her because she’s had some pretty rough times in her life. During the hardest times, when she had nothing at all, no money, food or electricity, she had Nick, and for a long time it was just her and Nick, and they shared what little she had.

Nick was a beautiful dog, handsome and energetic, strong and athletic, sweet natured and fiercely loyal. We loved him with all our hearts, and we will stay in our hearts forever.

nick

mmmmmm.. milk 

nick

part seal, part dog :: Ballina home away from home with Ammamamma and Uncle Dreggie

nick 

inner urban nick at the punks picnic, sydney park - photo by debra anthonisz

We love you Nicholas. Charlene, Deb and Virginia

written by V. Charlene will contribute nick stories when she feels able xx