Flower’s Island Adventures was written last year by Flower’s human companion, Abby Linton.
It features photos from their time together on the island exploring.
Linton, a former high school science and biology teacher who is living in Ashburton, spent three years on the island.
She was on a teaching contract at the national high school, Tereora College.
Linton had planned to get a dog even before she left New Zealand.
She went to Rarotonga in January 2020, just as Covid hit and the borders shut.
Flower, a huntaway/collie cross, aged about eight, was adopted from the SPCA in Rarotonga.
"I had looked on the (SPCA) site and I’d seen Flower months before I went over.
"It was a while (she had been waiting),” Linton said.
Once settled in and ready for a dog, she could not believe Flower was still available.
"Even now I can feel a little (teary),” she said, remembering when they met.
There was an instant bond.
“Of course, when I went over, everyone was going to come and visit.
"Then it ended up just being me and Flower.
"She was my sanity,” Linton said.
Flower and her canine friend Ruby used to go on adventures in their early lives.
They both ended up in the SPCA.
Linton said it was most likely Flower lost her limb following a run-in with a vehicle, possibly a truck.
"There are certain vehicles she does not like today."
In Rarotonga, they're like people. They're not tied up. They just roam the island, Linton said.
"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.
"There are not many dogs walked on a lead."
Flower was described by the SPCA as an energetic girl suited to someone who liked long walks and spending time doing outdoor activities.
Despite her missing left rear leg, she was still able to tear down the beach.
She was often clocked running at more than 30km/h.
"Flower would tear up the beach and as soon as she saw anyone she would be all over them… smiles and tail wags.
"Often it wasn’t until we were walking away that you’d hear them say: “Oh, she’s only got three legs.
"She was always cute, she’s got the biggest personality,” Linton said.
During her life in Rarotonga, people-friendly Flower became quite well-known, especially among tourists who approached them on their walks.
"We used to walk the beach every day while we were over there.
"I think she was a bit of a celebrity,” Linton said.
Her book was self published through Your Books and the process had been a learning curve.
It was a journey guided by author and 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. I was really lucky I had Christine to call on."
The photographs in the book were taken by Linton to send home to her family in Ashburton.
"I was just living and because the borders were shut I’d send photos back so my parents (Graeme and Sue Linton) could show my grandma (June Linton) as well where we were."
Linton said the first thing her late grandma would ask on a video call was always: "How’s Flower?"
So it was nice the pair got to meet in January 2023 when Linton returned to Ashburton.
Flower was in quarantine for six weeks; it was the longest they had been apart.
June then died in August that year.
Linton said her arrival back in New Zealand was timely.
Her contract was up, she was keen to get back to family, and Comfy Cats Cattery Boarding business opportunity had become available in Ashburton.
It included a home and business working with animals.
It was a childhood dream for Linton.
"The timing was just purrfect," she said.
- Flower’s Island Adventures is available at Comfy Cats Boarding Cattery, theThe Berry Barn Bakery in Geraldine, on MarketPlace and through the Rarotonga SPCA.
