The ‘Burgmann dog’ is a fine tradition, going back to the College’s founding. Today’s residents are spoilt for choice between Acting Principal Zaraftis’s dogs, Lola and Mathilda, and Principal Renouf’s dogs, Juno and Eve. Resident Jocelyn Abbott shares her special ramblings with Lola.
It’s a Sunday afternoon in late September, and I’m exhausted. Exams are looming closer, and College events are picking up. I’ve been away from home just long enough to be missing my family, and while living with 250 other people is often a blessing, sometimes I crave the company of a different kind.
Luckily, there is a solution. My four-pawed factory reset button is Lola, the Acting Principal’s Border Collie cross. She is a happy chocolate brown pup with a penchant for chasing ducks. She recalls well (when your interests align with hers), and she gives an excellent cuddle. What’s more, she’s there for any resident in need of a good walk and some puppy love. I take advantage of that often.
Sometimes, Lola and I will walk across the road to the Oval, where there are endless balls to be thrown and laps to be run. Other times, we will join local community jogs, spreading happiness to countless uni students missing their pets. However, more often than not, we’ll make our way to Black Mountain Peninsula, where Lola can run off-leash.
The first order of the day is a swim—her decision, not mine. While I walk or jog around the peninsula, she zig-zags back and forth in front of me, chasing ducks or rabbits or seemingly nothing at all. We encounter swans (not to be trifled with) and errant toddlers (definitely not to be trifled with). The sun sets over the lake, Parliament House glints on the horizon, and black cockatoos are floating above. The walk feels like one big exhale, and I am glad.
When we’ve had enough, we both wander back to Burgmann, dirtier than before and decidedly happier.
Former Principal Bob Northey's boxer Melba has a special place in College history, remembered by alumnus Ewan Isbister (1989–1990) for attending ANU classes with residents.
A cheeky story about surreptitiously feeding onion rings to Foundation Master David Griffin's Staffy dog Rex is also recalled in alumnus Eric Cother's (1971–1973) Class Note.
Do you have photos of past Burgmann pets? Please share them with us via alumni@burgmann.anu.edu.au
