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Our Pets and Farm Animals
Description
NameOur Pets and Farm AnimalsDescriptionIt’s our way of life in the country. Pets are pampered and farm animals work for a living - just like Roxy on the loader in Springston.
Some animals make the humans work for them. 'Mrs McIntyre', the resident moggy at Springfield Railway Station during the 70s, lounged in the station office and charmed food scraps from passengers.
Sometimes the rules of animal engagement can get a bit muddled when farm animals wheedle their way into our hearts. Author Mona Anderson and her husband Ron farmed merino sheep on Mount Algidus Station for a living. Kindhearted Mona adopted an abandoned new-born and she became her beloved pet lamb Mary-Lou. They spent hours roaming the hills together with Mary-Lou getting into all sorts of mischief. Many years ago young Minnie Richards sold her pet lamb to raise funds for soldiers' welfare.
Hardworking roadman had pets to keep them company during their lonely existence. Shepherd and trainer Harold White had a way with all his working dogs, but had a special bond with his appropriately-coloured white Beardie named Bounce.
Miniature horses make wonderful pets and you'll see plenty frolicking around our lifestyle blocks. Cats are not so loyal. Mrs McIntyre led a life strictly independent of human owners, except when it came to scourging food off the passengers at the Springfield station!
For a real treat, check out the video of a seal who turned up at Selwyn River for a frolic under the willow tree.
Some animals make the humans work for them. 'Mrs McIntyre', the resident moggy at Springfield Railway Station during the 70s, lounged in the station office and charmed food scraps from passengers.
Sometimes the rules of animal engagement can get a bit muddled when farm animals wheedle their way into our hearts. Author Mona Anderson and her husband Ron farmed merino sheep on Mount Algidus Station for a living. Kindhearted Mona adopted an abandoned new-born and she became her beloved pet lamb Mary-Lou. They spent hours roaming the hills together with Mary-Lou getting into all sorts of mischief. Many years ago young Minnie Richards sold her pet lamb to raise funds for soldiers' welfare.
Hardworking roadman had pets to keep them company during their lonely existence. Shepherd and trainer Harold White had a way with all his working dogs, but had a special bond with his appropriately-coloured white Beardie named Bounce.
Miniature horses make wonderful pets and you'll see plenty frolicking around our lifestyle blocks. Cats are not so loyal. Mrs McIntyre led a life strictly independent of human owners, except when it came to scourging food off the passengers at the Springfield station!
For a real treat, check out the video of a seal who turned up at Selwyn River for a frolic under the willow tree.
Connections
CollectionOur community lifeAgriculture and FarmingPersonMiriam and Jaunty, Rally-O Grand Champion, 2022VideoSeal in the Selwyn River NarrativeThe true story of Mary-Lou and her rise to literary stardomHarold White and BounceThe Railway Cat and her Incredible Journey
Our Pets and Farm Animals. Selwyn Stories, accessed 02/06/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/4244




