Each year the SPCA in New Zealand needs to find homes for thousands of abandoned dogs. Sadly, it’s the same in Australia and many other countries.
Last year, the SPCA had a great idea. It wanted to show just how awesome these ‘unwanted’ dogs were. So, they got talking to Mark Vette, an animal trainer who has worked for years training animals for films, including Lord of the Rings.
While Vette admits it was hard, he trained three dogs from the SPCA to drive a modified mini.
And, frankly, I was driving on the M1 between Brisbane and the Gold Coast on the weekend. Some of those drivers could learn a thing or two about concentrating when you drive from Monty, Porter and Ginny.
These clever dogs are doing it all – starting the ignition, steering and braking. The campaign has become a world wide sensation and considered a remarkable success. There was a perception that animals in shelters were ‘second class’. The campaign by the SPCA set out to prove other wise.
Monty the dog even drove live on television, passing a doggie driving test, of sorts.
So, it just goes to show that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
