Western Australian Museum - It's A Dog's Life

AN EXHIBITION OF ANIMALS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
Imagine being a pigeon and having on your resume that you were awarded a medal for bravery in World War II. This is just one of the fascinating stories of it’s a Dog’s Life!, an exciting new exhibition at Western Australian Museum, Perth showing how, over the years, thousands of dogs, horses, mules, camels, cats, donkeys, pigeons, bullocks, beetles and even worms have carried out vital work on behalf of their country.

As public servants, they have served in war, saved lives, sniffed out contraband, pulled snow sleds, hauled heavy loads, carried the mail, delivered messages and devoured noxious plants. Most of the contents of it’s a Dog’s Life! was sourced from the National Archives Collection and includes interesting displays, touching human stories and poignant photographs of mans strong relationship with the working animal.

This exhibition will have broad appeal to animal lovers and is a wonderful school holiday event.

Perth

Venue: Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Western Australian Museum - Perth, Perth Cultural Centre, James Street, Perth.
Dates: 5 November 2005 – 15 January 2006, 9.30am – 5pm daily
Cost: Entry by donation

Geraldton

Venue: Temporary Exhibition Gallery, Western Australian Museum - Geraldton, 1 Museum Place, Batavia Coast Marina, Geraldton
Dates: 26 January 2006 – 19 March 2006, 10am – 4pm daily
Cost: Entry by donation

Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Venue: Western Australian Museum - Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 17 Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie, Western Australia 6430
Dates: 31 March 2006 – 28 May 2006, 10am – 4.30pm daily
Cost: Entry by donation

Special Activities:

Exhibition Launch 5 November, 10am -12noon. Meet some of the animals from the exhibition including Quarantine Beagles, Customs, Police, RAAF dogs, a working husky team and the Police Horses. Meet the animals and talk to their handlers, colour in your own paper beagle in the Discovery Centre and most importantly enjoy the opening festivities for this exciting exhibition.

Here is a list of activities that are happening on the 5th November;

9.30am –10am	Official Opening of *it’s a dog’s life!* Exhibition
10am – 11am	Meet our local working animals including Police Horses, RAAF dogs, Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) Beagles, Customs dogs, Police dogs and a Husky Team. Hear from the handlers and see demonstrations of some of the dogs at work. Public can view the exhibition *it’s a dog’s life*! all day from 10.30am – 5pm. This exhibition will feature in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery until 15 January 2006.
11am – 12noon	More interviews and demonstrations, hear about CSIRO research, and step on a husky sled.
	Other Activities
10am – 4pm	Special activities in the Discovery Centre - Make your own beagle and see the cane toad exhibit.
10am – 4pm	Special displays & ‘give a ways’ in the Museum’s Hackett Hall Foyer – find out more about the valuable work of our animal helpers.

This exhibition is presented by the Australian Government, National Archives of Australia, Visions of Australia and the Western Australian Museum

it's a Dog's Life