Over the last two years we have been following the story of ‘Franklin The Gungahlin Maremma’. He was nick named ‘Franklin’ as suggested by Ben and his wife do the frequency of the sightings in Franklin. Franklin even has his own Facebook page on which you can follow his latest adventures, https://www.facebook.com/franklinthemaremma
We initially had several reports of a Maremma dog sighted on it’s own in Franklin, Harrison, Bonner and Forde. This dog raised the interest of several people that follow us on Facebook and have often reported him wandering on his own. He has often been mistaken for a golden retriever or Labrador.
Franklin has over the years been a bit of a mystery with people wondering where he came from and where are his owners. We have since learnt that Franklin was actually adopted from the pound 3 years ago by Shiara and her daughter who live in Downer. Unfortunately the day they brought him home he escaped and were unable to catch him. He was initially found in Florey by ACT Rangers. Shiara and her daughter named him Samson.
It has been suggested Franklin may live under one of the bridges between Harrison and Franklin. He has however seen as far out as Bonner and Forde. Apparently he frequents the pond and school at Forde. There is another Maremma that lives opposite the dog park in Forde that has been confused for Franklin in the past.
The ACT Rangers have all but given up trying to catch Franklin as he is too elusive. Others have also tried without success. Amelia posted our page suggesting that Franklin may actually like the independent life and it’s coat will protect him from the elements.
We have discussed Franklin with RSPCA and they have advised that the best thing we can do is to leave Franklin alone. The more people chase and try to catch him the more frightened he will become and could potentially cause an accident if he runs onto a road.
We do request that you do not try to catch or chase Franklin as we don’t want to see him or anyone get hurt in the process. It is hoped over time he will be come more comfortable being around people and particular individuals.
The Maremma is an Italian sheepdog. This breed was used to guard livestock by Italian shepherds to protect them from wolves. The Maremma does have a thick white coat to protect it during the cold winter months.
You can follow Franklin on Facebook, share photos and sightings of him. https://www.facebook.com/franklinthemaremma
Video by Joseph starring Franklin (Samson) and Mel.
Photo provided by Amelia
Photo provided by Cat
Photo provided by Cat
Photo provided by Anna
Loading ...
