Babs is full of beans

For Staffordshire bull-terrier Barbara, life is one big walk in the park – but preferably in North Melbourne’s own fully fenced off leash dog park, Clayton Reserve.

For owner Donovan, parks like these ones are “amazing”, especially for those living in the city. 

“She’s a live-wire,” he said. “She bounces off the walls about 90 per cent of the day, so I guess the dog park is a must. Being able to run around with her makes an absolute difference.”

Working in customer service, Barbara (“Babs” for short) would have made a great assistant to Donovan and his wife during the pandemic as everyone worked from home.

“She just loves everyone and everything,” he said. “She really bucks the trend of Staffies being the ‘scary dog’ per se.”

But Babs’ energy isn’t the only aspect to her personality. Being just one year old, she experienced the full lockdown with her human family but according to Donovan, she has the tendency to make everyone around her smile – whether they be part of the family, close friend, or passers-by.

“She is part of the family,” he said. “When days are hard, she’ll always bring a smile to your face – especially when things were really tough in the pandemic.” •

Caption: Barbara catching some sun with owner Donovan (L) and friend Tristan (R).