Paradise’s four-legged guardian is hanging up his leash.
For almost a decade Sebbi the springer spaniel has been Lord Howe Island’s last line of defence.
As the longest-serving biosecurity dog on the idyllic land mass, he has helped to keep the island untouched and free of contamination for most of his life.
Both he and his son Zuma have been invasive pests’ worst enemy in the island’s battle to preserve its unique natural environment.
Lord Howe Island is in the Tasman Sea, located 700 kilometres off the coast of Sydney.
Sebbi’s pest detection role helped to preserve the island’s unique natural environment. (Supplied)
Now, after years of sniffing and scavenging for pests, Sebbi is off to the doggy retirement village — otherwise known as suburban Brisbane with his former handler.
It is a day everyone on the island who loves Sebbi knew was going to come, especially after he took on an “ambassador” role in his later years where he entertained crowds.
As Sebbi’s bright white and copper fur faded, he turned his talents to greeting arrivals at the airport, where he could still put that nose to good use.
And it was his keen nose that was vital in playing a mentoring role to the new dogs ready to fill his prior position.
Sebbi is enjoying his retirement in Brisbane. (Supplied)
So what is next for Sebbi? Embracing everything retirement has to offer, including a new sibling.
“He has settled into our home extremely well and is enjoying going on walks and adventures with his new pup-sister, Lacey,” his former handler and new owner Saxxon Thompson said.
Sebbi has settled into the Brisbane lifestyle well, his owner said. (Supplied)
It is thanks to Sebbi and his handlers that in 2023 the island was able to report that it had been free of rodents for two years straight.
Considered a living laboratory by the scores of scientists who conduct research on the island, Sebbi was the night in shining armour for protecting its over 200 endemic native species.
From endangered palms and at risk coral reefs, there is barely a plant on Lord Howe Island that does not have Sebbi to thank.
But the change of scenery on the mainland is not all that bad.
“After years of dedication and hard work, Sebbi’s days are now filled with rest, play and endless cuddles on the couch,” Mr Thompson said.