canineclub

This story takes place in the kingdom of Glen Eira. It is not a ‘fairy tale’, although there are plenty of ‘wicked witches’ about.
 
For years now a gentle, kind, and lovely 63 year old man has done his ‘civic duty’ by watering council trees that run just outside his back fence and along a Melbourne Water reserve. Glen Eira must have been proud that their public plea (media release, local paper) to residents to help them out was being so assiduously and conscientiously followed. He would take the trouble of saving his grey water, pouring it into a watering can and going out to do his ‘duty’. Often these trees would be watered well before his own thirsty plants.

One bright sunny day a few weeks back, our hero opened his back door, stepped out the four feet and watered two trees. His aged Pomeranian also ‘stepped out’ with him and sat with her back against the fence enjoying the beautiful sunshine. When the watering can was empty, this good Samaritan, stepped back inside his property to put the can away – his little dog was still outside, but no more than two feet away from him.

This animal is truly ‘man’s best friend’ as it never, ever, ever, goes anywhere without her master. But all of a sudden, the ‘wicked witch’ (ie ranger) appeared and accused our hero of having his DOG AT LARGE. Two weeks later a letter and fine of $160 odd dollars arrived. Just payment for doing council’s bidding!!!
 
Folks, what must be borne in mind here is that in this kingdom of Glen Eira, common sense is a rare commodity; or to put a more mercenary interpretation on things, perhaps it is not beyond the realms of possibility to suggest that by fining people under ‘dogs at large’ council receives over $160 as compared to fining someone for ‘dog off leash’ which reaps a paltry $107 fine. One does not have to be Einstein to work out which is more profitable! So folks, before you decide to do your civic duty, just remember that in Glen Eira it is rare indeed that its residents are allowed to live ‘happily ever after’.