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Elle Rothwell

March 1989-June 2001

Elle was born in March 1989 to a pure white Pit Bull terrier and a Border Collie. Late in April a friend suggested that I go with her while she looked at a dog for her son. At the time I had no interest in getting a new pup as I already had an Australian Silky Terrier. However while my friend was making a choice and talking to the owner, a tiny black and white fluff ball sat at my feet, and when I moved, so did it-as if it had made the choice.

I remember how little she was on the drive home form the Darling Ranges east of Perth, fitting snugly into my cupped hands. Cute and adorable she certainly was, but as she grew so did the problems and I often referred to her being the pup from Hell. I was a working single mother and each day I dreaded going home to the damage. Elle tested every fibre of patience and tolerance-and was threatened with eradication many times. Over the ensuing years she totally destroyed my back garden, including uprooting shrubs and then chewing them to pieces. The holes in the lawn were huge with great piles of sand that reappeared immediately they were filled in. We had teeth marks at every wall corner and doorframes in the laundry and back area where she slept. Many different types of bedding were tried only to end in the rubbish in shreds. There was a constant ritual of picking up and putting out of reach anything that was loose for fear of it being destroyed. The biggest damage was the vinyl tiles that were literally stripped from the laundry floor. Elle did all these things despite schooling and many toys, but her favourite was to demolish a plastic plant pot, so it was easier and cheaper to supply those to her. We had our difficult moments of strong aggression, especially with visitors as she appeared to know who was okay to come to the door and whom she felt was not. And usually she was right!

We persevered and slowly over the next two years she calmed down into a graceful and very beautiful looking dog. Her name, although we pronounced it Ellie, suited her. The biggest turning point was when she was about four years old, and she nearly died following major surgery as a result of septicaemia caused by helping herself to a cooked bone. We made the decision to fight for her life despite the cost. After a fairly long recovery the changes were remarkable, and she displayed a sensitive and caring personality to everything and everyone. Her whole attitude seemed to change. Elle also understood more, and obeyed every request without hesitation. When she wanted something it was simply to sit in the begging position for us to follow.

Her sporting talents were great fun, and she excelled playing dodgems with a soccer ball as well as the usual chase and catch with a tennis ball, Frisbee or stick. She loved the water and would spend hours surfing-and being dumped, down at the local dog beach to the amazement of spectators. In the latter years she was happy to swim quietly in the Swan River at Crawley Bay amongst the children playing. Elle was very social and always a friend to other dogs, however she sensed when a human was not a dog lover, and deliberately detoured away from them. Her favourite food was fish, and she had a passion for avocado. The thing she hated the most was a shut internal door, and would become quite distressed until it was opened.

In 1999 I took up the position of caretaker at the Cancer Foundation of WA facility for country people to stay while they have treatment for their diseases. Elle immediately settled in, despite the confines of an upstairs apartment. With the exception of a very few, the guests felt the benefit of her friendly disposition and companionship. Once again she showed a unique sensitivity by somehow knowing and having a special greeting for the person who had cancer. She was never boisterous or rough, did not lick or be intrusive. Elle just seemed to know they were fragile or sad. Her way of comforting was to gently place her head on their lap or the side of the bed when permitted in their unit. She allowed those people to hug her and tears were often shed. It was a joy to watch her in this role. Her favourite spot was the reception area and to be a part of the welcoming when new guests arrived. Guests who had been before were immediately recognized and greeted with enthusiasm at the door. Elle never forgot the Helpline counselling staff either, and would go into their office for what appeared to be an act of support or TLC-or was it just the dog treats they might have for her?

Elle had been the Lodge resident dog for just 18 months when I discovered a small lump in her neck. Investigation revealed a deep-seated cancer of the oesophagus and the lump grew quickly in only three weeks. The Murdoch staff members were most kind and helpful. I am particularly grateful for the understanding and compassion shown by Dr Wyatt (Murdoch Animal Cancer Care Unit) and Dr Nickels (Cottesloe Animal Hospital). It was very evident that Elle's condition was deteriorating rapidly although she never once complained. The difficult decision to prevent her suffering any pain or distress resulted in her euthanasia on June 1st 2001. The loss of a four legged friend and companion is shattering, consoled only by the many wonderful memories to reflect. Elle is missed terribly. However I was privileged to have Elle pick me and thankful for the lessons in life that she showed by example and the unconditional love we shared.

Lesley Rothwell