When five-year-old Wil Vidler entered a council run colouring-in competition this year, he never guessed he would win the greatest prize of all – man’s best friend.
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The Mount Isa City Council booth at Minex 2015 hosted a colouring competition for school-aged children, and Wil decided to enter after an encouraging comment from his dad Steve Vidler.
Mr Vidler told Wil that if he won he could get a puppy – something Wil had been longing for.
It was just the encouragement young Wil needed and he happily set to work.
Mayor Tony McGrady only discovered this fact after he had finished judging the competition.
He was delighted that a council-run initiative to encourage responsible pet ownership was responsible for making Wil’s dream come true.
“After meeting Wil and his dad Steve, it was clear that any animal would be lucky to become part of their family,” Cr McGrady said.
“You are certainly never too young to learn the values of responsible pet ownership, and deciding to own a pet is a long-term commitment.
“At Council we are committed to educating the community on the responsibilities that come with pet ownership and also what is expected of them from their community.
“With more pet owners like Wil, I look forward to a positive future for the pets of Mount Isa.”
After he was awarded runner-up, Mr Vidler was so proud of Wil that he made good on his promise by welcoming 14-week-old Rhodesian Ridgeback Sam into the family.
“Introducing an animal to a child gives them a certain amount of responsibility, and it becomes part of
Introducing an animal to a child gives them a certain amount of responsibility, and it becomes part of the family. The dog really is a friend for life.
- Dad Steve Vidler
the family,” Mr Vidler said.
Becoming runner-up in the competition won Wil one year’s fee registration for Sam, and Mr Vidler said Wil had begun to take Sam out for walks after the completion of his full course of immunisation.
“This dog really is a friend for life for Wil,” Mr Vidler said.
Wil said he enjoyed his new role as protector and provider for his new friend.
“I look after him by playing with him, and I feed him, and take him for walks,” Wil said.