Red Dog (Pilbara) facts for kids
Red Dog statue.
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| Other name(s) | Bluey Dog of the Northwest |
|---|---|
| Species | Dog |
| Breed | kelpie/cattle dog crossbreed dog |
| Sex | Male |
| Born | Tally Ho 1971 Paraburdoo, Western Australia |
| Died | 21 November 1979 (aged 7–8) Karratha, Western Australia |
| Resting place | Secret location, Roebourne, Western Australia |
| Nation from | Australia |
| Occupation | Wanderer |
| Known for | Traveled throughout Western Australia's Pilbara region |
| Title | The Pilbara Wanderer |
| Owner | Colin Cummings (former) John Stazzonelli (former) |
| Mate(s) | Varies |
| Offspring | Varies |
| Appearance | Red fur |
| Named after | His red fur |
Red Dog (born around 1971, died November 21, 1979) was a very famous dog. He was a mix of a Kelpie and an Cattle Dog. Red Dog was well known for traveling all over the huge Pilbara region in Western Australia.
He had several owners and also spent long periods traveling by himself. Red Dog became a much-loved friend and a special symbol for the people of the Pilbara. A statue was built in his honor in Dampier, a town he often visited. People often called him a "red kelpie" because of his fur color.
Who Was Red Dog?
Red Dog was likely born in the town of Paraburdoo in Western Australia around 1971. He was known by many names to those who met him. These names included Bluey, Tally Ho, and Dog of the Northwest.
Tally Ho was his first name, given by Colin Cummings. Colin is thought to be his first owner and brought him to Dampier. The nickname "Red Dog" came from the red dirt found in the Pilbara Region. It's also a common nickname for red-colored Kelpies and Heelers.
Red Dog's Travels
His second owner was John Stazzonelli, a bus driver for Hamersley Iron. John often took Red Dog with him on his bus trips. With John, Red Dog traveled to many places. These included Perth, Broome, Roebourne, Point Samson, and Port Hedland.
After John Stazzonelli passed away in 1975, Red Dog spent a lot of time traveling alone. Many people in the community also took him in and cared for him. A veterinarian treated him whenever he needed help. Each time he visited the vet, he was with a different person.
Red Dog was so popular that he became a member of the Dampier Salts Sport and Social Club. He also joined the Transport Workers' Union. He even had his own bank account with the Bank of New South Wales. The bank reportedly used him as a mascot, with the slogan "If Red banks at the Wales, then you can too." Sadly, Red Dog passed away in 1979. He was buried in a secret, unmarked grave near Roebourne, Western Australia by veterinarian Rick Fenny.
Red Dog's Legacy
Red Dog's story and his statue have captured the hearts of many people. Soon after he passed away, an Australian author named Nancy Gillespie wrote a book about him. Her 1983 book, Red Dog, collected stories and poems from people in the Pilbara region.
A British author named Louis de Bernières was also inspired by Red Dog's story. He wrote a book called Red Dog, which was loosely based on the legend. There is even a four-wheel drive club named in his honor.
De Bernières' book was later turned into a very popular movie. The film was made in Australia and came out in August 2011. It was directed by Kriv Stenders and the main dog role was played by a dog named Koko.
