A Reminder to all Dingo Advocates to Keep Fighting.

Maremma pups share an enclosure with a sheep - an important part of dog/sheep bonding.

During Berenice’s “Wolfathon” in 1987 (her extended trip to study wild canids in Europe and the USA) she wrote about the Coppingers who were leading the way in the use of livestock guardian dogs in the US.

Ray and Lorna Coppinger’s Sheep Guarding Dog Project was based at Hampshire College and like many people who tried to change the way things were done they came in for more than their fair share of criticisms.

Berenice’s comment not only applies to the Coppingers and their work at the time but to anyone who seeks to find a better way to ensure our wildlife are protected and cruel methods of controlling predators are abandoned.

“There are so many good people involved in the fight to preserve the world's predators.

Ray and Lorna Coppinger are deeply involved and dedicated in their endeavours to prove the worth of their project, but all too often the work of such talented and enlightened people is held back by shortage of funds, and by political decisions against them because their objectives seldom mean added votes.

When things go right, and progress is made, there are hordes wanting to share the limelight, but when things go wrong, all too often it is the person who had the courage and foresight to try and bring about progressive and enlightened changes that has to bear the brunt.”

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Latest Review of Merigal Dingoes. Reviewed Jan 25, 2019 by T. R. Robinson

Thank you to Tanya Robinson for taking the time to read and review my book Merigal Dingoes.

***

A marvellous anthology of stories which reveal, among other insights, what it is like to live with a dingo and the challenges that and the running of a dingo sanctuary hold. Those who are not from Australia or have no links with the country, may not appreciate for generations dingoes were designated as vermin to be ‘legally’ ‘disposed’ of as and when encountered. This is the fundamental situation and attitude underlying these revealing tales.

Intertwined with the dingo tales are some elemental accounts of the decades long battles Berenice Walters, founder of the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary, had with Australian authorities to have the dingo recognised as a breed of dog rather vermin to be exterminated without thought.

A long standing debate, among some, regards the question of whether animals have spirits, souls, etc. in the same manner as humans. Whatever a reader’s opinion it cannot be denied they certainly have personalities with some even displaying evident character traits. This book assuredly proves the point. Within these anecdotal stories there is a mixture of humour; sorrow; love; dedication; commitment; challenges; battles; and achievement (success). No more will be said so as not to spoil the enjoyment for prospective readers.

A couple of points readers should be aware of:

Though Pamela King is shown as the primary author, the book is actually a collection of stories or accounts written by numerous individuals, including Pamela King. Some go back decades. Readers will note some would benefit from a little editing nevertheless, to have done so may have ruined authenticity.

Though the chapters are generally short most include a lot of information (interesting and educational). This can result in it being slight tiring to read too many in one go. It is suggested the best approach would be to read in short bursts to enable the details to be assimilated properly.

The book also includes an excellent range of photographs.

Four stars (4*).

The book is available in paperback and digital (kindle e-book) formats.

Note: To some extent, though the book stands on its own feet and should be read as such, it is also a precursor to the biography of Berenice Walters (founder of the Australian Native Dog Conservation Society and the Merigal Dingo Sanctuary) the author is currently in the process of writing. One to look forward to with anticipation.

www.pam.id.au

Follow Pamela King on her Facebook page

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