BILLY THE BOSTON TERRIER: I love the CBD. You won’t get a parking fine if you just keep moving

HOW much is that doggie in the window?

Well, I don’t know how much that pooch is, but what I can tell you is, I am looking at my own reflection in that window and I am loving it.

It’s a good gig being a hound in the Top End. I see life between my two beady eyes – the ladies call them gorgeous – and my ears, which, might I add, are rather generous in size.

Must say, relatively thrilled to be writing for the Sunday Terrier (yes, I meant that spelling, woof woof, all paws and puns intended) today. I have long admired from afar the crocodile front pages – I prefer to see the crocs in the paper, not so much my local swimming spot, which many of our community would recognise as Mindil Beach.

I would prefer the name in Google to be Billy’s Beach, thank you very much.

I also like the headlines of the NT News and Sunday Terrier. My favourite was something about doggy style.

Apparently it had nothing to do with pooch fashion.

I can appreciate it is difficult being a purebred in a “bitsa” world.

I don’t identify with some of the – dare I call them – mutts who frequent certain areas.

I am not sure if it is the said crossbreds or their paw-rents who drop rubbish and glass bottles on the very paths and grass where I am trying to walk. But that has to stop.

Unless you’re going to leave some Billy-friendly food in the package of bain-marie deliciousness, then put your wrappers in the bin, please.

I love patrolling the neighbourhood. Weather and my schedule permitting, I often lounge about on the balcony and watch the world go by.

Then when the opportunity arises I walk – restrained, before you ask – into the CBD and sniff my way through the mall. I like the sprinkler water feature near the playground, but I like the pools outside the Paspaley boutique even more.

From there, I either risk life and limb for an ice cream on the Mitchell St strip or I wag my little tail down to the Waterfront.

I like the bright lights of the Mitchell St venues. Some of those facilities look like damn good fun.

I hear – with my aforementioned large ears – there’s a few concerns in town with things like parking, rent and retail.

Not in Billy’s world, mate. You won’t get a parking fine if you keep moving.

Last time I checked I was keeping the pet shops afloat given I require a new toy every once in a while.

It’s amazing how the darn things fall apart right in front of your very eyes.

That said, I wouldn’t be opposed to the infamous Darwin CBD peppering itself with a bit of a European flavour to the shopping experience for yours truly.

Just the other week, I went to the airport. I’ve been there before, so it was no biggie for this well-travelled terrier.

It was raining and early morning but boy, was it fabulous fun.

I thought we – I was there with one of the human minders – might be off on a trip.

I hear Europe is a good spot for dogs like me. I would be allowed in shops, and wowee, that is a game changer.

Can you imagine lifting your leg on some of those fashion mannequins? My goodness, that’s a holiday highlight right there.

And that’s the thing about terriers like you and me in the Territory.

We shouldn’t be afraid to enjoy putting our feet – or a leg – up. Just chill out today, it is Sunday.