Shepherd enjoys 'flock' of wee dogs

Peter and Diane Cameron relish life with miniature schnauzers Meg, Fin and Mia. It's important to believe in ourselves and respect others, he says. PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY

Life as a hill-country shepherd did not prepare Wanganui man Peter Cameron to love the miniature schnauzers that now share his home.

"I always had huntaways - good working dogs that lived outside in their kennels were real dogs to me and I didn't think I would ever have dogs inside the house" says Mr Cameron.

He is now exceptionally fond of his wife Diane's little dogs - Meg, Fin and Mia and they accompany him to Kaitoke school each week where he shares his Christian ideals with children.

"The dogs help the children enjoy the lessons - there are some children who struggle with writing or don't enjoy listening to me so much and they can just relax and enjoy themselves with a dog on their lap.

"Becoming a Christian has really changed me. I was a disciplinarian, a real tough cookie, and I share what I have learned with the children and it is up to them whether they want to embrace the faith.

"Prime Minister John Key's speech about leaving school where he said 'attitude is everything' inspired me to expound on what he said.

"Learning to become a creative and resourceful person is important as a resourceful mind solves problems despite limitations."

Mr Cameron recently obtained activity books from the New Zealand Kennel Club and is looking forward to incorporating them into his weekly sessions with the children.

"They are all about how to love and care for a pet and become a responsible dog owner, I think they will fit in really well with the work I do at the school."

Peter Cameron grew up in Okoia and attended school there before attending Wanganui Collegiate.

On leaving school he went to work at Otairi Station in Hunterville before going to work for Jim Bull in Waverley.

He met Diane Maher who had moved to the district with her family from Christchurch and the couple married in 1963.

"We celebrated our 50th anniversary in October last year and they have been good years, Diane has put up with moving around because of my work and she has been a fantastic mother."

They have four sons and eight grandchildren.

Yachting interests Mr Cameron, who hopes to go to Auckland soon to sail on Peter Blake's Steinlager II: "I got to sail on the NZL 41 in Waitemata Harbour last summer, I was invited ... to help out as a crew member and I loved it, that was the boat that Kate beat William in when the royal couple were here."

The Camerons enjoy retired life at their home on Durie Hill with the dogs and Diane's colourful garden, which she describes as a "controlled wilderness."

The retired shepherd is now relaxed when the dogs follow him indoors and says life is about having belief in yourself and respect for others.