Spotted from land: Shawn ‘Plemo’ Pleming and Kujo out on the water.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Meet Shawn ‘Plemo’ Pleming and his trusty sidekick, Cujo.
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If you were around in the 1980s, that name might send a shiver down your spine, thanks to the notorious Stephen King book and movie featuring a rampaging, murderous dog.
However, the Cujo we’re talking about here is a far cry from the frightening original.
Sure, he likes to go on a rampage, sprinting around like a madman, but he’s decidedly less scary than his namesake.
The irony isn’t lost on Plemo.
Water dog: Kujo making a splash.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
“If I had a big dog, I’d probably name him Bubbles,” he said with a chuckle.
“I always wanted to name a little dog Cujo.”
Cujo’s journey began as a rescue dog, finding himself in the pound after a spell of mistreatment by a previous owner.
Swiftly advertised for adoption, Cujo’s fate changed when Plemo, a seasoned dog owner, decided to bring him home.
“I’ve always been a dog person,” Plemo said.
“I don’t cope without them and their companionship.”
Fast forward a year and a half, and Cujo and Plemo have become inseparable.
Cujo, a hybrid indoor/outdoor dog, enjoys the freedom to move in and out of the house as he pleases.
Land ahoy: Kujo steers the ship.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
According to Plemo, Cujo is generally good with new people, provided they give him space to initiate greetings.
He’s also sociable with other dogs.
He has a friend at Plemo’s parents’ house, a much older dog who just wants to chill out.
Cujo doesn’t know the meaning of ‘chill out’, so he brings out her youthful side with his antics.
He doesn’t get along as well with cats.
“The cat will fly one way, and Cujo will chase after it,” Plemo said.
Described as intelligent and always on the move, Cujo keeps Plemo on his toes, both physically and mentally.
They embark on daily walks without fail, covering double-digit kilometres each week.
“He’s my little shadow,” Plemo said.
“I’m probably a little too attached to him, and he’s probably a little too attached to me, but that’s all right.”
Cujo, for the most part, accompanies Plemo everywhere.
He’s an adventurous companion, leaping onto the canoe and navigating Victoria Park Lake with his owner.
A definite “water dog”, Cujo has an undeniable love for aquatic adventures.
Striking a pose: Plemo and Kujo taking on Victoria Park Lake.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
Plemo marvels at the diverse aquatic life thriving along the lake’s edge, just metres from oblivious onlookers on land.
Cujo likes to spy turtles from the safety of the canoe.
His enthusiasm for water is matched by his ball obsession; he’s practically inseparable from his beloved tennis ball.
Zooming: Cujo has no off button.
Photo by
Kelly Carmody
He looks like an NBA player dunking when he springs off the ground to catch the ball.
Plemo has more adventures planned in the future, with new camping gear to test out with his partner in crime.
“He’s a friendly dog; he cheers me up,” Plemo said.
“He’s always there with love, even when you don’t want it.
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