Flower’s Island Adventures Chronicles a Tri-Paw Dog’s Journey

A new book titled Flower’s Island Adventures captures the remarkable journey of a three-legged dog named Flower alongside her human companion, Abby Linton. The book, released in 2023, features vivid photographs from their explorations on the island of Rarotonga, where Linton resided for three years while working at Tereora College.

Linton, a former high school science and biology teacher originally from Ashburton, had intended to adopt a dog before her move to Rarotonga in January 2020. However, her plans coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to border closures. Flower, a huntaway/collie cross and approximately eight years old, was adopted from the local SPCA. Linton had discovered Flower on the SPCA website months prior to her arrival in Rarotonga and was thrilled to find that the dog was still available upon her settling in.

Reflecting on their first meeting, Linton said, “Even now I can feel a little teary,” recalling the instant bond they formed. Flower quickly became Linton’s companion during a time when she found herself isolated. “Everyone was going to come and visit. Then it ended up just being me and Flower. She was my sanity,” Linton noted.

Despite losing her left rear leg, Flower thrived in her new environment. Linton explained that the dog likely lost her limb due to an accident involving a vehicle. “There are certain vehicles she does not like today,” Linton remarked. In Rarotonga, dogs roam freely, and Flower became a well-known figure among the locals and tourists alike. “I think that’s why lots of people knew Flower because I would walk her on the lead while we were on the road, and then once we were on the beach we were free,” Linton said.

Flower was described by the SPCA as an energetic dog suited for someone who enjoys outdoor activities. Linton often clocked Flower running at speeds exceeding 30 km/h, delighting in the way she engaged with people during their beach walks. “Often it wasn’t until we were walking away that you’d hear them say: ‘Oh, she’s only got three legs,'” Linton shared. “She was always cute; she’s got the biggest personality.”

Over time, Flower’s friendly demeanor made her somewhat of a local celebrity. “We used to walk the beach every day while we were over there. I think she was a bit of a celebrity,” Linton recalled, highlighting the joy Flower brought to people around her.

The journey to self-publish the book was guided by Linton’s family friend, Christine Taylor. “She gave me some advice and was very supportive about everything. It had been a bit of a process to learn,” Linton mentioned. The photographs in the book were initially taken to share with her family back in Ashburton, particularly her grandmother, June Linton, who always inquired about Flower during video calls.

In January 2023, Linton returned to Ashburton with Flower after an extended separation due to quarantine regulations. “It was the longest we had been apart,” she said. Tragically, June passed away in August 2023, making Linton grateful for the timely reunion with her beloved dog.

Returning to New Zealand allowed Linton to reconnect with family and seize an opportunity to run the Comfy Cats Cattery Boarding business. This venture not only provided her with a home but also aligned with her lifelong passion for working with animals. “The timing was just purrfect,” Linton expressed, reflecting on her journey with Flower and the new chapter in Ashburton.

Through Flower’s Island Adventures, Linton shares not only the adventures of a remarkable dog but also a story of resilience, companionship, and the deep bonds that can form between humans and their pets. The book serves as a testament to the joy Flower has brought into Linton’s life and the lives of those they encountered on their island adventures.