It takes a particular pooch to convert a non-pet owner into a dog person. In Graeme Syer’s case, it took a cuddly Lab with a big personality and lots of love. He says Billy has definitely converted him to a dog person.
Graeme Syer never wanted a dog.
But chocolate Labrador, Billy — who unexpectedly entered his life nearly two years ago — has stolen his heart.
As dogs tend to do, Billy sensed Graeme wasn’t a dog person, and made it her personal mission to win him over.
Graeme’s partner Tina Gardner had always wanted a dog, and when she became ill her son picked up Billy to keep her company and raise her spirits.
“She’d always loved Labradors, and I’ve always been around Labradors, but never wanted to own one,” Graeme said.
“But now this pup shows up on our doorstep, and I’ve adjusted to having a good partnership with this dog.”
Billy was supposed to be Tina’s dog, but Graeme is the indisputable favourite. When he gets home, Billy has to be the first one to greet him.
“She can hear me pull up in my work truck and she’ll be waiting at the door,” Graeme said.
“I get greeted at the door better by my dog than I do by my partner.”
It didn’t take long for the unlikely duo to become “pretty much inseparable”.
“Everywhere I go on the weekends she’s by my side. I take her for drives in the four-wheel drive — in the front seat, of course.”
Billy knows she is very cute, and has never passed up an opportunity to level the puppy eyes at Graeme to try and get a taste of whatever he’s eating.
“I’ll be honest, sometimes I give in,” he said.
“I might be having bacon and eggs on a Sunday morning and she’ll give me a nudge and I’ll give her a little bit — but not much — just to keep that friendship alive.”
Billy has also won over Graeme’s mates, who have bought her lots of squeaky toys.
“She’s got a stack of squeaky toys — got a whole clothes basket full of them,” Graeme said.
“She actually goes and selects the one she wants to play with on a certain day.”
Billy is very cuddly and loves to jump into an unoccupied lap and curl up for a sleep. Her signature move is to jump up on the couch and squirm her way in between Graeme and Tina.