PROVIDING unconditional love to animals is one of Jacqui Pay’s key mottos.
She has an ability to settle some of the most out of control dogs — and, for this reason, she is known around town as the dog whisperer.
She lives in Kerang with her husband Ian, and many pets, including three clever dogs and a few talking birds.
Jacqui grew up in inner Melbourne under the care of foster parents. She said she always felt the calling to live in the country surrounded by lots of animals.
“I ended up moving here to do some farm work,” she said.
“I had a real love for horses.
“I came from the city, but I just had it in me [to live in the country].”
“This is why I have a love for animals — it runs in your blood…”
Jacqui tracked down her birth mother 20 years ago and, after several meetings, the two began to bond over their love for border collies.
“What is so marvellous about it, is that I had foster parents that brought me up. I then found my birth mother, and found out she was a border collie lover. What do I love? Border collies,” she said.
“The other thing was that my great-grandfather was the leading jockey in Ascot, England.
“This was all not knowing my heritage or where I came, but it is true — it is born in you.
“This is why I have a love for animals — it runs in your blood.
“[My birth mother] and I became closer with our [border collie] connection.”
Jacqui said one of the saddest moments in her life was saying goodbye to Ruby, her pet dog who died only two weeks ago.
An unwanted dog, Ruby was rescued more than 14 years ago by Jacqui.
She took Ruby into her home, gave her love, routine and plenty of attention.
Their relationship grew each day based on mutual trust.
Visiting the local aged care facility and primary school, Jacqui would take Ruby with her each time and the canine would spread her love and affection around.
Ruby was able to bring out emotions and conversations not usually seen by some of the students and residents.
Knowing she has a real connection with animals, Jacqui said she feels “self-drawn by just looking at them”.
“When I look at them closely, I can tell what is wrong or what they are trying to tell me,” she said.
“It’s not [the dog’s fault], the dog wants to do everything to please you…”
Jacqui is a dog obedience trainer, and offers her services regularly to the region.
She works in Barham, Lake Boga and Kerang.
Jacqui said she doesn’t do it for financial gain. Rather, she enjoys “helping people out”.
She learnt the tricks of the trade 14 years ago when she saw an ad in the paper offering dog obedience training.
The original six-week course turned into two years of intensive learning with trainers.
“I just learnt through these wonderful people,” she said. “They taught me everything I needed to know.”
With their help, Jacqui learned about dogs and their behaviour, reading different types of aggression, including protective and kindness aggression.
Jacqui said when dogs act “out of control” they are just showing you what they can do.
“It’s not [the dog’s fault], the dog wants to do everything to please you,” she said.
Within reason, Jacqui said an owner needed to have trust in their dog.
“People wonder why their dogs are digging up holes in the back and ripping things up. This is because they need stimulation,” she said.
Jacqui advised going to the op shop and buying a bag of old toys for the dog to play with.
“There many types of dogs. Some are companion dogs, some are athlete dogs,” she said.
“Working with three tones — deep being the most serious — and providing lots of love really works.
“You need to build mutual trust.”
