The bond between dogs and their owners is truly special and the Local Rag is highlighting some local stories of furry friendships. Among these cherished friendships is the one between Inger, her partner Nick, and their 3-year-old Doberman, Eva.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your dog?
I’m Inger, and Eva is mine and Nick’s 3-year-old Doberman. The name on her papers is She’s So Vain which is very appropriate for Eva. Eva loves prancing around like a show pony giving everyone her Puss in Boots eyes; we joke that she’s very needy and self-involved.
How long have you had Eva, and what made you choose her?
We’ve had Eva since she was eight weeks. I’d been harassing Nick for a puppy for ages to supplement our pack, but he didn’t want a ridgeback. Then a colleague’s bloke said what about a Doberman? Nick made some agreeable noises so as soon as we got home, I went straight online and looked up Doberman breeders, found a litter and secured a pup before he could change his mind.
What is a typical day like for you and Eva?
I get jumped on in bed every morning for a thorough ear licking with some teeth involved. We go for a walk before breakfast. If I’m working from home she chills out for the day, on the couch or a bed in the sun, and then she gets another walk in the late arvo before dinner. If we go to Hamilton for work then she goes to Hamilton Hounds. Evenings are mostly spent with Eva on my lap on the couch.
What activities do you enjoy doing together?
Throwing balls or sticks from the deck into surrounding bush or harbour for Eva to find. It’s a game she takes very seriously! She puts a lot of thought into it. And going for a drive in the car with the top down.
Where are Eva’s favourite places to walk or explore in Raglan?
Eva has a stick obsession, so the harbour is best for fetch – it takes her longer to fetch if she has to swim for the stick! Once she’s had enough of that she just runs with the stick – usually to other people in the distance. They always think she’s coming to see them but, nah, they’re just a marker, and around them and off she goes!
Can you describe a memorable outing you’ve had with Eva?
We took Eva to Hawea for a couple of weeks over Christmas. I was blown away by what a good dog she was! Really on point. Awesome at travelling that distance in the car; good ears; friendly and easy going (well, except when the Dogo Argentino walked out the pub, then she turned into the Satan Hound).
How would you describe the bond between you and Eva?
Well, she is mine but she thinks I am hers. No one is allowed to sit next to me on the couch without Eva getting involved and shoving her way in between. She’s definitely a typical Doberman in that she’s a Velcro dog who belongs more to one person.
What does Eva mean to you personally?
Everything. Eva is the best! She makes me happy, and she’s beautiful and a dick all rolled into one.
What are some challenges you’ve faced as a dog owner?
I hate it when she shouts at the neighbours (they’re allowed to be on their property, Eva), or when she shouts from the deck at people in the bay when they’re swimming or paddling. She’s a big dog, and she sounds like a Satan Hound when she gets wound up! I bet she looks freaking scary if they don’t know her. She’s a good guard dog. She’s also a pain in the butt when she takes over the games of fetch of other people and dogs on the beach. She’s pretty intense. If this happens to you, tell her to go away! Not that that worked this morning when she grabbed a stick off a guy and started playing tug of war, lol.
What are the most rewarding aspects of having Eva?
That someone thinks the sun shines out of my a$%#!
Is there a particular trait or behaviour of Eva that you find endearing?
Just how she’s so loving. Everyone loves Eva! Even Nick’s mum who doesn’t particularly like dogs, but Eva will just plonk herself on her and demand loads of attention – and gets it.
Do you have any future plans or goals involving Eva?
I always think she’d love doing agility, and if they had that in Raglan we’d give it a go.
How do you envision your life with Eva in the years to come?
Ha, wondering how she’d like having a Doberman brother and not being the centre of attention! (I’m always succession planning – it helps the heartbreak when you lose a dog to old age, if you have more.)
