“Farm dogs are as much a part of the family as they are the workforce.” Ever heard that saying. It rings especially true here in New Zealand. We are standing in front of The Modern Working Dog Mural. This mural is more than just paint on a wall. It is a tribute to those hardworking canines that are integral to New Zealand farms.
Imagine life for sheep and beef farmers without their dogs. It would be a lot trickier. Their tireless efforts in herding stock are invaluable. This is especially true in the difficult-to-muster hill and high country areas. There is even a statue of a border collie at Lake Tekapo. It honors those dogs brought over by Scottish shepherds. They worked on the pastoral runs of the eastern South Island in the 19th century.
Consider Scottie’s incredible journey. The Bay of Plenty Times recorded it in 1921. Scottie made his way back to the farm. He traveled over 200 miles. He swam four rivers and numerous creeks. Scottie had never been north of Herbert before. It shows the wonderful instinct of this breed.
Think about another dog’s loyalty to his canine companion. The Minister of Internal Affairs mentioned it in 1939. Two dogs were away from the State game farm at Ngongotaha for several days. One returned in a lean and miserable condition. It had a bone in his mouth. The dog ran up the hill when it saw that it had been noticed. A man followed and found the other dog. It was caught in a bush. A branch was wedged in its collar. The dog with the bone had given it to its mate. This was always its custom. It happened when the imprisoned dog was occasionally chained up at his kennel.
The Modern Working Dog Mural reminds us of these stories. It also highlights the evolving role of dogs in modern farming. They are not just workers. They are companions. They are family. Street art is more than just colorful images. It is a reflection of our history and values. The Modern Working Dog Mural captures this perfectly. It celebrates the enduring bond between humans and their canine partners in the fields of New Zealand.
Remember this mural. Remember the stories of Scottie and the loyal companion. They represent the spirit of working dogs in New Zealand. Their legacy is etched not only in our history. It is also here on this very wall.