Well deserved public memorial planned for Eudy- The Brave, selfless Dog

Beloved guard dog Eudy who was bred to protect a group of penguins on a remote Australian island will receive a public memorial after serving 10 years of service before her death.

Eudy, the longest-serving of the Maremma guardian dogs brought to Middle Island to protect a failing little penguin colony, near Warrnambool in Victoria, died aged 12.

Between 1999 and 2005 foxes devastated the penguin colony killing 590 of the 600 flightless birds.

• Local authorities borrowed the idea used by a local chicken farmer known as Swampy Marsh, who used Maremmas to protect his poultry.
• Maremma guard dogs originate from central and southern Italy where they are bred to protect sheep from wolves.
• Maremmas were introduced to Middle Island and trained to protect the penguins in 2006, and the island was closed to the public.
• The first dog introduced was called Oddball, in 2006, and he was so successful at dealing with foxes the program was expanded.
• Oddball, owned by Mr Marsh, inspired a 2015 Australian movie called Oddball, starring Shane Jacobson.
• The dogs are active on Middle Island during penguin breeding season.
• Fast forward to 2021 and the penguin colony has recovered to the point it now has 100 birds.
• Eudy died from an aggressive bone cancer and was a ‘true hero’ of the program, Middle Island Penguin Project Coordinator Dr Trish Corbett told Coast FM.

• ‘Eudy and her sister Tula have been the heart and soul of the project.’
• ‘Rest peacefully, beautiful girl,’ Ms Corbett said.
• Eudy’s ashes will be scattered on Middle Island.
• A public memorial is planned but no date has yet been set.

Source: Daily Mail, Not edited by DogExpress staff