Not so graceful groodles

It’s fair to say that local groodles Wally and Winston well and truly take after their owners.

Not dissimilar from parents Jamie Shulman and Cassie Palinkas, both dogs are described as being “pretty naughty” and, particularly like their dad, neither is much of a listener! Southbank Local News would discover this the hard way, as numerous efforts to lure the dogs’ attention towards the camera went largely unrewarded in amongst the sea of activity in which they were spotted along Southbank Promenade.

While six-month-old Winston seemed distracted by anything and everything, one-year-old Wally seemed particularly taken by all of the boats and rowers passing by on the Yarra River.

With Wally renowned for his love for water and Winston, for dirt, the riverside location provided the perfect setting for a morning walk and it was clear they were lapping up the atmosphere. Interestingly, the pair’s love for the outdoors was also a trait adopted from their owners, according to Jamie. “Wally likes to go to the beach, go swimming and find giant sticks and Winston likes being dirty and rolling in the mud pretty much,” Jamie said.

“They’re much like their owners in that way – Cassie likes to roll in the mud and I like swimming!” While both dogs are said to suffer their fair share of behavioural issues, Wally, is reportedly maturing into the “ideal dog”, while young Winston is turning out to be “a real delinquent.”

However, Jamie said Wally’s positive influence was slowly rubbing off on Winston, who idolised his older brother. “Wally is a big baby. He likes being mollycoddled by everyone,” Jamie said. “He’s an ideal dog. He’s what a dog should be like whereas Winston is the menace.”

“Winston just does his own thing he doesn’t really like anyone. He’s got a bonafide attitude problem.”

It’s difficult for Southbank Local News to determine whether such characteristics come from mum or dad.

If we were to speculate, we’d pick the latter! And not to be the first dubious claim made during the interview, Jamie said the dogs “easily” loved him more.

However, Cassie rolled over (no pun intended!) pretty easily when given a right of reply.

“Unfortunately, I’d probably agree with that!” she said.