Paddy the Wanderer Fountain is a tender and symbolic dedication to the great New Zealand traveler (7 photos)

Paddy the Tramp is a sweet, free-spirited Airedale Terrier who roamed the streets of Wellington, New Zealand, lifting spirits and inspiring positive energy throughout the Great Depression.





There is very little information about the first months of the dog's life. According to one popular version, the dog was the favorite pet of a thirteen-year-old teenager and went on a free voyage after his young owner died of pneumonia.



Paddy

Soon Paddy became a familiar furry face, or rather, muzzle, on the docks. There is a theory that the dog could predict the weather, which is very important in the case of the proximity of the sea. Paddy was also "hired" by workers for the important and responsible protection of the docks and the fight against rodents.





So the four-legged tramp received the official position of "assistant night watchman". Many dock workers, sailors, loaders and taxi drivers took touching care of the dog and even chipped in to pay for his annual license.



Paddy's adventures were not limited to the pier. Quite soon he became an active travel dog. He knew how to sneak onto ships and made several sea voyages to New Zealand ports as a stowaway. He even crossed the Tasman Sea several times and went to Australia. Paddy also traveled by land. Taxi drivers drove him around the city, and tram drivers were happy to welcome an active passenger. Once the dog was even treated to a fast flight on a Gypsy Moth plane.



When his time came and the dog died of old age in 1939, life in the city practically came to a standstill.



Hundreds mourned the loss of the beloved dog as a funeral procession of black cabs escorted his remains through the city. In 1945, enough money was raised to erect a memorial fountain for people and dogs in his honor.