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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Phoebe Moloney

Hairdresser gifts designer puppy to family after fatal dog attack

GIFT OF LIFE: Merewether's Louise Slavin with Freddie, the moodle, donated by Adamstown's Renae Crook. Picture: Marina Neil

Renae Crook's dog Marlee, a maltese terrier cross toy poodle or "moodle", was a gift to her family after her son found Marlee's father wandering the streets lost.

So, two months ago, when Marlee had a litter of her own with Ms Crook's other moodle Pablo, the hairdresser was hoping to spread the goodwill behind her own furry family.

"I just remember seeing this story about this little dog that was attacked and killed and I couldn't imagine anything more devastating," the Adamstown resident said. "I wanted to pass on one of Marlee and Pablo's puppies as a gift."

Ms Crook contacted Merewether resident Louise Slavin via social media a fortnight ago.

MISSED: Alfie the Shih Tzu cross toy poodle that was killed in a fatal dog attack in September. Picture: Supplied

The death of Ms Slavin's Shih Tzu cross toy poodle, Alfie, in a fatal dog attack at Dixon Park in September had been reported by media outlets. Council rangers have since euthanized the offending dog after an investigation into the attack.

Ms Crook offered Ms Slavin one of her three puppies.

"Renae just contacted me saying she really wanted to give me one of her puppies. It was incredibly generous," Ms Slavin said. "She wouldn't take anything.

"She came around and we picked Freddie for his unusual colouring and his lovely personality."

Breeders in Australia sell Moodles for up to $4500.

PETS: Louise Slavin with Freddie and Barney. Picture: Marina Neil

Ms Slavin said her second dog Barney was slowly getting used to the eight-week-old pup after losing Alfie, with whom he had developed a friendship.

"We have missed him," she said.

Ms Crook said she felt "really blessed" to know that Freddie, named after Queen front man Freddie Mercury, had gone to a good home.

"They were such humble, beautiful people. Freddie will have a fantastic life," she said.

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