Ash Barky stole our hearts as a puppy on Muster Dogs, and now Queensland’s famous working dog is tackling a new job.
The adorable border collie, who appeared with North Burnett grazier Cilla Pershouse in season two of the hit TV series, has become a mum, welcoming two male puppies last week.
Ash — named after fellow Queensland icon, tennis champion Ash Barty — and Cilla appeared on Muster Dogs earlier this year, a program that follows puppies as they learn what it takes to become working dogs.
They won over audiences thanks to the pair’s showmanship, personality and dynamics as a duo.
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Now, Ash Barky is stealing hearts all over again, showing off her pups, Racquet and Boots, who made their public debut nestling with their mum in a bed of hay.
“They’re doing well. They’re seven days old now and I’m pretty sure they’re more than double the size of their birth weight,” Ms Pershouse said.
“They’re thriving and Ash is really enjoying being a mum.”
Cilla Pershouse adopted Ash Barky, the border collie as part of the second season of the ABC TV program Muster Dogs. (ABC Wide Bay: Ross Kay)
It won’t be long before the new pups follow in the footsteps of their famous mum and award-winning dad, Melnunni Duncan, owned by Bailey Knight.
“[Melnunni Duncan] is the current champion of lots of different working dog competitions, so he comes equally high profile as Ash,” Ms Pershouse said.
With just two pups in the litter, they have already been embraced as part of the Pershouse family.
Muster Dog Ash Barky has become a mum to Racquet and Boots. (Supplied: Cilla Pershouse)
“They’ll both be staying with us and will begin their journey, once they’re ready, into a life of being beautiful, working stock dogs,” Ms Pershouse said.
It’s a joyous addition for Ms Pershouse, who has previously spoken about how training the now two-and-a-half year old Ash Barky helped her overcome feelings of isolation after the birth of her third child.
“She really propelled me forward and together we have been able to achieve such beautiful things,” she told the ABC in February.
That included taking the stage together at the Logies in August.
The duo will appear on the small screen again in the Where Are They Now Muster Dogs special, airing on December 1.
“She’s just grown into the most beautiful, all-around puppy and is great with all of the farm work,” Ms Pershouse said.
“She’s just the most amazing companion.”
