He’s just a little Rowdy

By Emma Sun
KELLY Smit’s pet golden retriever Rowdy is one of the most energetic puppies in Officer.
The 20-month-old pup is more than a handful for the 26-year-old and her partner Jarrod, and manages to keep them on their toes at the best of times.
“He is possibly one of the naughtiest, most disobedient puppies I’ve ever come across,” Kelly said.
“If dogs could get attention deficit disorder, he’d have it. I’ve asked vets and they don’t think it’s possible for dogs to have it but I’m not so sure!”
Like most golden retrievers, Rowdy loves to chew on everything he can get his teeth onto.
“He’s obsessed with chewing toilet rolls and he’s obsessed with socks – he seems to always find socks no matter where we hide them,” Kelly said.
“He brings them to us to let us know that he’s got them, then he runs away with them. He just likes the game when we try to chase him to get them back.”
He also likes to eat random, inedible things.
“He’s eaten and swallowed all the nuts and bolts of our outdoor heater before we put them together,” Kelly said.
“He chewed the box himself and swallowed them all when we were at work one day. We thought it’d be fine in a box, but clearly not.”
Rowdy was given to Kelly as a birthday present from Jarrod in what initially was meant to be a surprise.
They had just built a house together and figured it was the right time to get a pet dog.
“I had no idea I was actually getting Rowdy, as I didn’t know my partner was looking for one,” Kelly said.
“I just assumed we’d look together but he was doing all that behind my back.
“He bought Rowdy and had to wait a few weeks before we got him and he couldn’t wait that long and told me.”
Since joining the family, Rowdy has been pampered and spoiled by Kelly.
Not only does he sleep on their bed, he goes on two walks every day because he has so much energy.
“I get in trouble all the time because I spoil him – I buy him treats all the time which is why he’s getting chubby,” Kelly said.
“When we play fetch with him he chases after the ball and brings it back but he doesn’t let it go – you have to wrestle it out of his mouth, he’s very disobedient.”
No matter how mischievous Rowdy is, he will always remain a treasured member of the family.
“Despite how naughty he is, he’s a very funny dog to be around and I’m definitely glad to have him,” Kelly said.
“I would like to get another dog, but I don’t think I’d get another retriever. If I do, I’d get an older one from the refuge.
“Otherwise, we’re looking at a Burmese mountain dog as well – Rowdy would love it!”