What is your name? I am TimTam. My parents called me that because I’m a chocolate labrador and TimTams are square and chocolate.
Who do you live with? I live with Mum and Dad in Wynnum. My human brother went and got married but still visits me. He produced his own little puppy, so all is forgiven.
How old are you? I’ve lived with Mum and Dad since I was eight weeks old, and now I’m 12 years old.
What is your favourite local walk? When I was younger, I used to sneak into the golf course at dusk, but Dad put a stop to that after I discovered the delights of the duck pond, swam in it and came out green. Apparently, green labradors are not popular, and never mind the smell!
What’s your most treasured toy? My big ball that is bigger than my head. I dangle it off one tooth, look around a corner and say, “woof”. My parents chase me; it works every time.
What’s your favourite food? Anything, and lots of it! I even like the pills that Drs Charlie and Nicky give me. One pill, one liver treat – job done.
What’s your worst habit? Barking at people walking past my home when I’m having a rest on my parents’ bed. Mum and Dad don’t mind, ever since I barked at an intruder at 3am and chased them off.
What is your favourite local hangout? I like coffee shops with street tables. I just stand there, smile and wag and see how many humans pat me. When babies want to pat me, I am especially gentle.
Who is your best doggie friend? Oscar! When we meet on the street, we drag our owners down the footpath so we can talk and kiss. It’s the only time that I pull extremely hard on my lead.
Do you have any really funny or embarrassing stories? What, like eating a surgical shoe that cost over a thousand dollars? Also, I ate my way through a door. Fortunately, the wood was going soft, so Dad decided to build a new one. He joined the Men’s Shed to use their machines, so it only cost a couple of thousand dollars for wood. I got away with both of these things, and I’m still loved. They showed their love in a funny way though, and took me to dog school where I was taught to have no fun and refuse food – can you believe it?
What do people love about you? My happy and gentle nature gets me lots of brownie points. I have found that lots of staff at Bunnings have dog treats in their pockets, and when I am sitting patiently while Dad browses the shelves, I often score a treat. Some people say that they are scared of dogs, but Dad tells them that I’m absolutely trustworthy and very gentle – then I give them a big kiss on the face if I’m quick enough.
