Evie

Once, years ago, I had a lot of time and not much to do. So, I agreed to take the hounds and pick up the travelling superstar frisbee coach from the airport. Her name was Alex and everyone in town was excited she was coming to run a series of workshops - Alex was probably the best thrower in the World game.


I made Evie and Greta sit in the back because we had a special guest, they didn’t agree and continued to poke their noses forward, I elbowed them back, even though Alex said it was alright. She didn’t understand yet that if you give a dachshund and inch, they’ll take your lunch.


The tree lined streets of Canberra cruised by as Alex pretended to remember me from a tournament in 09, she really was a big star. We arrived at Jonno and Keah’s house where she’d be staying for the week, the hounds and I were also staying there for the week, just like we had for the 20 weeks prior.


Greta sprinted through the back door to bark at a bird, again. Evie sniffed Alex’s bags while everyone said hello and welcome. Alex said “the little dogs are cute”, Keah replied “I’m glad you think so.” Alex settled in and it was cup of tea time so we sat in the sunlight and talked about frisbee, adventure and old memories. For the next 2 days Alex was going to run training sessions for Canberra’s frisbee players. From the new talent all the way up to the National representatives, there would be great learning and insight.


Jonno said to Alex “the main rule of the house is to make sure you don’t keep any food down low.” “Oh sure” she replied unfazed, “I do actually have some incredible truffle coated chocolates as a gift for you, but they’re zipped in my bag up on the bed.”


Jonno and I looked under the table - no Evie, we looked outside, then at each other. Without explanation or warning we both broke from the table and charged upstairs to the guest room. The carnage was complete. The door was open, the waterproof field bag was unzipped, clothes were dispersed and a brightly coloured package lay in shreds on the bedspread.


As we entered the room Evie looked at us in triumph and a hint of the addict’s jealous fear. “These are mine” she said with her wide stance and cocked ears. “No they’re not!” I said by snatching her up into my arms. “Welcome to Australia” Jonno said sheepishly. “I thought I had to watch out for the snakes and spiders”, Alex murmured as we all traipsed back downstairs in a mix of disappointment, embarrassment and defiant glory.






This week, after nearly 18 years of successful food heists, we said goodbye to Evie the wonder dog. Ever vigilant, ever stubborn, forever hungry. She’s off on the next adventure and wherever you go to after you die, the people there better hide their snacks.