RED DOG OF THE PILBARA
“Red Dog’s overland travels were legendary.”
Possibly the most famous dog in Australia is the one featured in Jack O’ Hagen’s song “The Road to Gundagai,” a sanitised ditty based on an old poem which went …
As I was coming down Conroy’s Gap I heard a maiden cry,
“There goes Bill the Bullocky, he’s bound for Gundagai.
A better poor old bugger never cracked an honest crust,
A better poor old bastard never drug a whip through dust.
His team got bogged at Five Mile Creek, he lashed ‘n swore ‘n cried,
‘If nobby don’t get me outer this, I’ll tattoo his bloody hide.’
But Nobby strained and broke the yoke, poked out the leader’s eye
And the dog sat (or shat) on (or in) the tuckerbox nine miles from Gundagai.”
But another dog in the Pilbara region of West Australia’s rugged north-west became well-known, too – a dog familiar to one and all as Red Dog – earning for himself such a reputation as a colourful canine individualist that his likeness came to be sculpted in stone as a living memorial.
Into this rich mining area was born, in 1971, probably at Paraburdoo, a Kelpie-Cattle Dog cross, who was originally christened “Tally.”
Bristling with infinite energy, this inquisitive little red dog would roam
the countryside at will, sometimes for seven kilometres or so, after which he would gobble down a tin of dog food in nine seconds flat and fart copiously for a long time afterwards. In some quarters (especially confined quarters) this habit made the little red dog socially unpopular.
Red Dog, as he was called, was an inveterate scrounger; he would “bot” food at any backyard barbeque or beach party in the Dampier area, and came to adopt for himself the life of a wanderer, a true canine gypsy and loveable vagabond.
Around the single men’s quarters at the Hammersley Iron mine site, the endearing little mutt made himself at home when it suited him, often spending a day at a time lounging under a table in the workshop.
He befriended a bus driver who did the Dampier and Karratha runs and was often an unofficial passenger on Hammersley Iron’s company buses. This gave Red Dog a distinct advantage over all the other dogs in the locality and he openly flaunted his privileged position by yapping cheekily at his mates as he drove by.
When his bus driver friend was accidentally killed, Red Dog was noticed watching passing traffic for his friend for a long time afterwards.
One day a new driver pushed Red Dog out of his bus. All the Hammersley
workers walked off the job in protest, and the new driver was quickly made
aware of Red Dog’s special status among the workforce.
On any of the buses he travelled with henceforth, the dog always chose the
seat immediately behind the driver; this was clearly his preferred position
and no one was allowed to share the seat with him – well, not unless he was
strongly bribed with a tasty morsel.
On one occasion, after enjoying a generous meal, Red Dog started one of his farting sessions in the bus, causing all passengers to hurriedly depart and
wait outside until the offensive fumes had cleared.
Not only company buses were Red Dog’s preferred form of transport. From time to time he got free rides on courier vehicles and even on long distance transport trucks plying the North-West Coastal Highway.
He was also the only dog in Australia who was a fully paid member of the
Transport Worker’s Union, thanks to his fellow unionists.
He had an unhealthy habit of walking out in front of an approaching vehicle
expecting it to stop for him. If it failed to do so, he would chase it until
the occupants were fully aware of his expectation.
If the driver’s destination was not the same as Red Dogs, he would refuse to
alight from the vehicle and would patiently wait until the car owner had
worked out where he wanted to go.
For example, in 1978, a Karratha woman was picking up her daughter at the Walkabout Motel early one morning when she spotted Red Dog sleeping in the parking area. Being aware of his ways, she held open her door, inviting the mutt to climb aboard, a offer he sleepily accepted.
In the industrial area, , the lady opened the door, but her passenger
refused to budge. She then decided to take him to Dampier, some 20
kilometres away. Again the dog refused to leave her car.
Next she drove him all the way to the Hammersley single men’s quarters; here he happily left the vehicle and trotted away, tail wagging, to socialise
with his fellow unionists at the breakfast table.
One day Red Dog was found with a injury beside the Dampier-Karratha road. He was driven back to the Dampier Salt site where he was given a much-needed bath and his wounds were at the same time washed and disinfected. It was noted by his carers that chocolate seemed to bring about an immediate miraculous cure.
It was about this time that Red Dog was made an official member of the
Dampier Salt Sports and Social Club, a financial member of the Metal Trades
Union, a bank account was opened for him, and he was officially registered
with the shire.
Among his other random achievements were fathering an assorted of mixed-bred puppies in several districts, all of whom bore a striking resemblance to their Dad. Red Dog seemed to prefer Dampier Salt as his occasional home, especially when recuperating from dog fights, love affairs or when he was sick.
Red Dog had a very disrespectful habit in that he often visited a certain
church of a Sunday morning to methodically move down the aisle, giving a token piddle on each of the rows of pews, marking his territory.
“Sometimes he did this when there was preaching going on. I felt sorry for
the poor minister. He always finished cracking up with giggles and couldn’t
continue,” said one of the faithful. “We were always grateful to Red Dog
because it meant we got away early.”
If he tired of a place, or needed stimulation, he simply hitched a ride
somewhere else, preferring always to sit with his head halfway out of a
window enjoying the breeze.
There came a time when Red Dog was found out in the rugged Karratha hills
with two bullet wounds in a rear leg, probably done by a dingo trapper or
pastoralist who noticed him too close to sheep paddocks.
When a message was sent to his mates at Dampier Salt, some immediately
downed tools and went to collect him. They intended to take him to the only
available vet. at Port Hedland. Along the way, the weather being hot, the
travellers got drunk, were taken into custody for the night and were fined
in court. They reckoned later that with all the outlay – court fines,
accommodation, vet’s fees, loss of wages, etc., next time it might be
cheaper to fly in a brain surgeon.
Red Dog’s overland travels were legendary.
Unofficially, he is known to have travelled hundreds of kilometres to places like Roebourne, Point Samson, Port Hedland – and even as far south as Perth on at least two occasions where he was observed enjoying many refreshing dips in the Indian Ocean.
Several well-meaning families tried to adopt him on a permanent basis, but
he never stayed for long anywhere. He was a vagabond at heart, a free spirit, his home the open road under a million stars.
Not that he was ungrateful. Perish the thought. He always made a point of
calling in on old friends to accept dinner invitations and to languish a
while in air-conditioned comfort.
One time Red Dog was arrested by the Dog Catcher at Roebourne and was locked in the pound where he was given treatment for heartworm. At night, unknown persons broke into the premises and set all the dogs free. The culprits were never identified.
Red Dog died at Karratha on November 21, 1979.
He had eaten a lump of meat laced with strychnine. Probaby a dingo bait he discovered out in the bush. When found, he was convulsing regularly. But the vet. was out of town, so the local police took him in and cared for him until the vet. returned. With treatment, he seemed to recuperate at first, then worsened, and he was regretfully put to sleep.
Red Dog was buried alongside the lonely track between Roebourne and Cossack.
A memorial fund was launched and publicised via the media all over West
Australia, a effort which raised $2,600, donations arriving from all over Australia.
A bronze life-sized statue was erected and stands today at the Information
Bay near the entrance to Dampier township.
The inscription reads:
RED DOG
The Pilbara Wanderer
Died November 21st, 1979
Erected By The Many Friends Made During His Travels
I stop to pat that dear old red dog every time I drive into Dampier. Only a dog owner will know the devotion in that stare.
Andy
— Andy Flight · 15 May 2008 · #
There is a book written about this- called “red dog“by Louie de berniere. It’s very good
— Don anderson · 16 September 2008 · #
Does anyone know the name of Red Dog’s original owner?
— Lee · 25 September 2008 · #
my boss use to no red dog and says he was a great dog i also have the book which is great .red dog is awsum!!
— isabelle · 12 November 2008 · #
What an amazing dog. My Dad used to be one of Red’s many friends in Dampier. Saw a tear in his eye when we were talking about him.
What an amazing story,
— mikisha · 15 December 2008 · #
Red Dog originally came from Parabardoo WA. His original owner was a Colonel. Red strayed into Dampier and met John Stazzonelli, the only human he ever attatched himself to. Louis De Benier’s book is all fiction. Not a true word was written. Try the books written by Beverly Ducket and Nancy Gillespie. They are both factual. John came off his motor bike and died in 1975, and because Red wasn’t with him to realise John’s fate, he spent the rest of his life retracing his steps with John, on a fruitless search for him. Hence the Pilbara Wanderer. John Stazzonelli was my father. If you want more info, contact the Karratha Library.
— Kelly · 12 February 2009 · #
For Kelly: curious that you say de Berniere’s book is fiction and not true…the details in it match those in your email…
— Lynne · 15 April 2009 · #
I an Learming about red
dog because it is a good
book to read.
— irene · 12 August 2009 · #
hi i am a child i am 13-14 i am studing on red dog as far as i read he was a grat dog not like other dogs he was strong and halpful and i wish i had non him more
— mohammad · 14 August 2009 · #
Hi I agree with lyn, it is curious that she says the book is fiction as her facts match the book. a wonderful read a obviously a great dog
— Carol · 12 September 2009 · #
Im from the uk , And have been to red dogs statue on a number of visits when Ive been over to karratha , I belive there is a film being made due out in 2010 . I do hope this is true .
— paul · 6 October 2009 · #
Just read Red Dog, I’m still crying and needed to find more on him, which led me here. Be kind to our animal friends we are so lucky to have them.
— Tracey · 11 October 2009 · #
i dont need to read the book, i am already crying.But being a sucker , i will now have to.
— vanessa · 24 November 2009 · #
I knew Red Dog very well for a few years when I was in The North West in the ’70s and I have some great memories and personal stories about him. I will never forget him.
— vince donnelly · 11 December 2009 · #
EXCLUSIVE! SNOWDROPPERS TO APPEAR IN AUSTRALIAN MOVIE: RED DOG
RED DOG, currently being filmed is a feature film about the iconic stray dog that roamed the WA Outback and brought together the Pilbara community. During his life in the 1970s, Red Dog hitched rides and travelled by foot throughout the Pilbara, adopting people and uniting communities along the way. He touched the lives of many and is held in such high regard that his statue stands proudly alongside the highway into Dampier. Red Dog’s exploits were first given international prominence through award-winning author Louis De Bernières novel. Now his exploits will be seen all over the world with Australia’s largest film distributor, Village Roadshow, set to release the film in 2011. Look out for the Snowdroppers playing in the Movie … I feel a soundtrack coming on…. Stay tuned for more SNOWDROPPERS & RED DOG updates!
http://web.me.com/reddogfilm_asst/RED_DOG_25_MARCH/WELCOME.html
— Difrnt Music · 6 April 2010 · #
Around 1975/6 I was on my way to Exmouth when my car broke down. A generous truck driver assisted me by putting my car on his vehicle transport truck and away we went. Surprise, Red Dog was also being given a lift. I have a photo of him relaxing next to the truck. We spent two days and 1 night together enjoying each others company. Along with the photo, I treasure that memory and look forward to seeing the movie. I saw the stage show in Perth which also bought on the tears. What a joy to have known him.
— Marice · 18 April 2010 · #
Hi Vince,
Do you happen to know a guy called Ron O’Keefe who took care of Red Dog when he was older? I’m trying to get in touch with him. You can email me on reddogfilm_asst@me.com. Cheers Sonya
— Sonya Humphrey · 20 April 2010 · #
Noone knew Red Dog like I did… only a bird would know. It’s a secret.
— Red Bird · 19 May 2010 · #
I have read the book red dog and it is mostly true. Because I took care of red dog for a while after John died and I knew the whole story. About 95% of the story is true and I Knew Ron O’Keefe he’s a nice chap. Not much of a talker though. Ahh good old red… Patsy is not my real name
— Patsy · 31 May 2010 · #
I miss red with all my heart and i have the picture up the top of this page in my home!
I do wish he was still here!
Rest In Peace Red
— Patsy · 31 May 2010 · #
To Mohammed. Sure he was a great dog, as are most dogs, contrary to what your probable cultural group (with a name like yours) would have you believe. They can be better mates than most people.
— Leigh · 10 June 2010 · #
I lived in Dampier when I was 17 in 1978-1979 with my then fiancé Rob(employed with Hamersley Iron). I was working at the Mermaid Hotel bottle shop on the weekends when I had the great pleasure of meeting Red Dog. It was always very hot in Dampier so Red Dog would come into the bottle shop often and sit by the cool room door. I would know instinctively what he wanted. I would open the door and leave it a little ajar. When Red Dog had cooled down enough, he would make his exit and like a true gypsy spirit of my own heart he would wonder off into the big wide world. They were precious moments in my life and I will always treasure the memories of Red Dog… He has touched many lives and will live on forever.
Angie (Peach)
— Angie · 11 June 2010 · #
I worked at Dampier Salt for many years and got to know Red. He wasn’t a one person dog but if he took a shine to you it was a special experience. I often took him to Pond Zero at DSL for a swim in the company Mini Moke. It was a choice vehicle for him as he often stank. I recall the late Jim Fuller, a storeman at DSL being instrumental in making him a member of the Union and opening up a bank account at the then, Bank of New South Wales. Red always had the habit of gate crashing most of the functions held around the Wet Mess at Dampier Salt (DSL). We often wondered how he managed to do it, as he was here one day and 300km away the next. He was so special and so sadly missed. It was an absolute privelige to have been up, close, and personal with such an Aussie Icon. God bless you Red. (By the way, at times Red was known as Blue, all be it, not for long).
— Derek Little · 30 August 2010 · #
Those of you on Facebook, please check out this page we have created by the friends and family of Red Dog and his Master Johnny Stazzonelli. It gives real acoounts and stories from people who knew.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Red-Dog-The-real-story/176506119062473#!/?sk=lf
— Red Dog the real story · 17 March 2011 · #
Im one of Johnny Stazzonellis sisters. There are four of us. We would be very interested in hearing more real life stories and seeing photos of Johnny / Red Dog. I dont have many myself. Marice, I would love to see that photo of Blue (thats what Johnny used to call him) next to the truck. We saw the screening of the3 movie ahd will definatley see it again. I didnt know there was a stage show of it in Perth???
— Francis Wilkinson (Stazzonelli) · 19 March 2011 · #
In 1971 to 1973(????) Red was the camp dog at Karratha.He was looked after by various people at the camp but it was mainly Parkfield Plumbers that looked after him.
The works ute would leave camp for the townsite at about 6.30am & Red would chase it.When he had run enough he would start barking.This was the signal for the driver to slow down.Red would then catch up, jump in the back & head off to work.
John Hennebury bought him to Perth around 1974 because all of “the gang” were finishing in Karratha.He lived in Rockingham for a few months but he could not settle here.
A truly wonderful dog.
— Bill Middleton · 23 March 2011 · #
I have not read the book “Red Dog”. but have been privileged to have attended a special screening of the film. It’s a wonderful movie, made all the more so, as we lost our own red kelpie about 4 years ago. Usually I do not like Australian movies, but with this one, I experienced such a variety of emotions, from laughter to deep sadness. I really enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to anybody, be they child or adult.
— Muriel Butler · 16 April 2011 · #
Have just read the Red Dog novel & enjoyed it but would love to read the books written by Beverly Ducket and Nancy Gillespie. Have done internet searches and out of print book searches. Does anyone know how to get hold of copies of these books. Can’t get enough about that amazing dog and the people he loved.
— Liz Steele · 30 April 2011 · #
After living in the Pilbara for 4 years in the 70’s,this year my class is writing a script for Red Dog and this will be our assembly item on the 23rd June.
— Davallia P.S. Yr6/7M · 24 May 2011 · #