Three-legged Badgebup border collie named WA Farm Dog of the Year

With a love for herding sheep and stand-up paddleboarding, a three-legged border collie from Badgebup has been named WA farm dog of the year.

Nine-year-old Spider belongs to proud owners and Badgebup broadacre farmers Richard and Katy Marshall.

Despite having a leg amputated after a “horrendous” four-wheel-drive incident near Peaceful Bay last year, Spider has not lost his love of farming or the water.

“His ability to jump back on the ute has not changed,” Mrs Marshall said.

“Wherever he goes, his white-tipped tail is always pointing straight in the air and wagging, whether he is doing sheep work or is on the back of the ute or is in the water with us.

“The only time it is not is when Richard goes deep-water fishing and leaves Spider on the jetty.”

The annual WA Farm Dog of the Year Awards, run by GWN7 and Plum Grove, are open to all WA farm-based dogs.

A panel of three judges selects a winner and two runners-up. The winner receives a $500 pre-paid Visa card and the all-important trophy.

Mrs Marshall said Spider was the most popular and social member of the family on the farm.

While Spider’s recovery was an amazing story, she said his efficiency as a farm worker was highly valued.

“Spider makes the difference of time management on our property ... it is like having three people when he is around,” Mrs Marshall said.

Mrs Marshall made special mention of the orthopaedic surgeons in Denmark for their work on Spider’s leg after his injury.