Town mourns shaggy Strathalbyn identity

Strathalbyn’s large, loveable and incredibly shaggy Old English Sheepdog, affectionately known as ‘Maggie Bear’, has sadly crossed over the rainbow bridge.

Maggie would often be spotted around town fashioning a different bow or miniature hat, and would adoringly demand pats from passers-by.

A true Strathalbyn icon, Maggie would enjoy her daily walks to certain local businesses, where she would be greeted with cuddles and treats before returning home from her social outing – always including a stop to the train station park.

But many residents would be unaware a television star was living in their community, with Maggie featuring as one of the ‘Dulux dogs’ on-screen when she was just a pup, and also visiting hardware stores for promotions as part of her fame.

Her owners Jan, Alan and Graeme Fazakerley have been “overwhelmed” by community support since Maggie’s passing on Friday morning, when she failed to wake up.

“Thank you to everyone for the support. So many people have sent their condolences and we are just so touched,” Jan said.

“She was a people dog, she loved meeting and greeting and she had her routine of visiting what shops she was allowed to go in.

“She was my baby. She was never bad in my eyes – she was perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

The Strathalbyn family inherited Maggie when she was 18-months-old from a long-term friend who had successfully shown her in a number of championships.

Their journey began when their furry friend was lost at the airport.

“They took her off the plane put her somewhere and couldn’t find her,” Graeme explained.

“Luckily the manager of the airline found her and she arrived the day before Christmas Eve in 2010.”

Maggie lived a “very spoiled” life and was almost 14 when she passed.

“On her birthday – February 18 – she wore a bow that said ‘I’m the birthday girl’,” Jan said.

“She ran the house, and always got her way.

“Maggie would get invited to things and we would be her plus one.”

“She made a lot of people smile,” Alan added.

“We’ve had four Old English Sheepdogs and that’s enough now – we wouldn’t get another dog like her.”

Graeme walked around Strathalbyn on Friday to share the sad news.

“Every two steps someone would ask ‘where’s Maggie?’,” he said.

“It was really hard. There were lots of tears and hugs.

“Every morning we would meet her friends down at the train station and she would sit on the table. That was her spot.

“Strathalbyn is a great town and everyone has five minutes for a chat.

“I got to know so many people because of Maggie.”

Maggie 2009-2022

Maggie Bear, you were our life.

You always made us happy if we were sad.

You gave us so much love that could never be repaid.

You gave us kisses when we needed them.

You touched everyone’s heart that you met.

You were the best daughter and sister that anyone could have.

Miss you so much, you will always be with us in our hearts and minds.

Love you always, sweet dreams

Maggie Bear.

Love Mum, Dad and Graeme.