Posh suburb melts over Aussie pensioner’s lonely dog plea

Howard Broadbent has been overwhelmed with support after putting a community call out for a pet to help take care of during the day. Source: Howard Broadbent..

Restricted from owning a dog in his unit, a lonely Aussie pensioner’s heartbreaking plea has sparked a flood of support – with neighbours offering their pups for walks, cuddles and company.

Howard Broadbent, 67, lives in an inner-city unit in Brisbane’s New Farm that is “unsuitable for pets.” He put out a desperate call to the community, asking if anyone needed a hand caring for their own dog and was flooded with furbabies.

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A Brisbane pensioner has drawn an outpouring of support with his heartfelt plea after missing his dog Tessa whose image he shared. Source: Facebook

Howard Broadbent’s heartbreak over the loss of his beloved dog Tessa has led to him wanting to help someone else care for theirs. Source: Howard Broadbent..

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“I set out with the intention of finding someone local who needs their doggy companion looked out for on a semi-regular basis,” he told The Courier-Mail. “I’m interested in finding one person who has a dog I match well with so that I could pick up, look after through the day and drop off home later. I’m not looking for multiple people/dogs to care for, as in a dog-walker type situation.”

Mr Broadbent’s love for dogs is deeply personal. Five years ago, his beloved Blue Heeler x Kelpie, Tessa, passed away at nearly 16, suffering badly from arthritis.

“She was such a beautiful companion to me and I still miss her a lot. Shortly afterwards, I moved into a one-bedroom unit in New Farm. It wouldn’t be fair to a dog to live with me in this current situation, so I haven’t got another one.”

“I’m a big fan of our canine friends, though, and will often ask people when I’m out walking if it’s okay to pet their dogs. People are almost always happy for this type of interaction for their pet, as it’s friendly and also good for socialising their dogs.”

Some residents expressed hope that one day responsible pet ownership could be allowed in all units. “I’m so sorry you can’t have a dog to love in your apartment. Hopefully in time regulations will change,” one neighbour wrote. Source: Facebook

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His heartfelt request to love a dog again has turned him into a local hero and created an accidental community dog-sitter side hustle.

As a pensioner, he can earn up to about $200 per week without affecting his pension.

He offered to care for dogs on weekdays while their owner is at work – walking, playing, feeding, and even washing them with approved shampoo.

One person wrote “good on you, I hope you make some wonderful new furry friends in the neighbourhood!” Another said “dogs are therapy,” while a third offered to join him on walks, “love all the responses … I’m at the Valley if you’d like a walking partner.”

Locals shared excitement about the idea of Mr Broadbent meeting their pets. One wrote, “hey Howard, I would love for you to meet my Luna. Always looking for wonderful humans who can hang with Luna while I’m at work.”

Another added, “I have an extremely friendly well-behaved staffy x kelpie who loves attention and cuddles and hates being alone.”

The gorgeous Luna was one of the furbabies open to company, with their owner “always looking for wonderful humans who can hang with Luna while I’m at work”. Source: Facebook

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The community spirit and support It has been overwhelming for Mr Broadbent.

“You are right. I was overwhelmed and never expected anything like the responses to my post. Not only from people who have dogs and were interested in that kind of help, but many people just leaving really nice comments as well. The number of people who acknowledged the post with a like (and still are) really blew me away!”

He has lined up a meet with Wally, a 4-year-old blue cattle dog, after being contacted by their owner. Wally can be wary of new people at first, but Howard was confident:

“Cattle dogs are what I’ve had in my life, both blue and red. I reckon Wally and I would be a perfect match,” he told the community group.

One of the responses referred to Wally whose owner said “can be a bit reactive with new people but I will definitely be looking for someone to walk/sit him a bit next year.” Source: Facebook

For others looking for canine interaction, several commenters suggested ways to get involved professionally, pointing to services like Mad Paws and Pawshake.

A fellow dogsitter said he would find it worthwhile. “Lovely idea! I became a Great Dane sitter for a while as I can’t have a dog either. I loved them all like my own. Hope you find an amazing buddy soon who helps to top up both your heart and wallet.”

Others commended him for the bold step: “You’d be a great pet sitter, Howard,” said one, with another declaring, “there’ll be a few very lucky dogs soon” given the community response to his plea.

In Queensland, if you have a cat or dog, you are legally obliged to meet all conditions under the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 (AMCDA).

LAWS FOR PET OWNERS:

Responsibilities include,

– providing appropriate food, shelter and care

– registering your dog and cat in some council areas

– microchipping your cat or dog

– desexing to avoid unwanted litters

– safeguarding the welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies

– applying for permits (if needed)

– declaring existing ownership of prohibited dog breeds and surrendering them to council.

Considerations before buying a pet include,

– suitable accommodation

– time to care for it

– if you can afford a pet now and, in the future

– if it can fit it into your lifestyle.

(Source: Qld Government)

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