EFFIE BATEMAN | BRISBANE| CONTACT
As peers around the kitchen for potential onlookers, local dad John Wauchope gently picks up his daughter Christina’s puppy ‘Mr. Noodle’ and cradles him to his chest.
It’s said that the fifty-five-year-old chippy had vehemently opposed to the idea of bringing a dog into the household, citing that he ‘didn’t want an ankle-biter’ and ‘especially not one of those little rats.’
So strong was his conviction that even six weeks after bringing the puppy home, Christina has heard nothing but disdain and constant comments about how ‘he doesn’t want a bloody mongrel in his home.’
But despite these protestations, Christina says she’d see her dad giving Mr Noodle head pats and belly rubs when he thought no one was looking and even the occasional bouts of baby talk.
“He refuses to admit he’s bonded quite well with Mr Noodle”, says Christina, “in fact, I’m pretty sure Mr Noodle likes him the most out of everyone.”
“He was very insistent that Mr Noodle would never be allowed inside, especially on the bed.”
“That didn’t last long at all though. He even installed a doggy door.”
When it comes to figuring out why dads bond so well with pets, local psychologist Dr Rita Ponce has a working theory.
“With the boomer generation, in particular, I believe it’s partly because they don’t want to become emotionally attached to a creature they’ll likely outlive.”
“But then they can’t help but bond with the animal because it’s the first time they’ve been shown constant bouts of affection.”
Christina adds that though she’s a little jealous Mr Noodle seems to have taken more to her father, it’s nice to see that deep down, her tough nut dad is a big softie.
More to come.
