On Waitangi Day, as thousands gathered on Te Tii Beach for the waka ceremony, a unique sight caught everyone’s attention out at sea. A French bulldog named Bosco was surfing, proudly carrying the Tino Rangatiratanga flag. This wasn’t just a fun day out; it was a heartfelt gesture of support for Te ao Māori, the Māori world view, by Bosco and his owner, Dylan Bacher.
Who is Bosco?
Bosco isn’t your average dog. He’s a French bulldog with a love for surfing, living in Paihia with Dylan Bacher and his other dog, Treasure. Dylan, who once worked as an engineer and first officer on super yachts, now lives on a self-contained boat, embracing the local culture deeply.
A Day of Cultural Respect
Dylan decided to have Bosco surf with the Māori flag on Waitangi Day because it was important to him. “We did it because it was important to us, Waitangi Day, and we only try and do things that are important to us,” Dylan explained. This act was also a way for Dylan to show gratitude towards the Māori communities that supported him during tough times. According to a study by the University of Auckland, community support can significantly improve mental health outcomes, which aligns with Dylan’s experience.
The Journey to Paihia
Originally from the US, Dylan’s travels around the world, especially in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, taught him the value of respecting indigenous cultures. Moving to Paihia in Te Tai Tokerau has deepened his connection to Te ao Māori. “I’m happy I came North, and I want to immerse myself more into the culture and learn the language,” he shared.
Bosco’s Surfing Skills
Despite the common belief that French bulldogs aren’t suited for water activities, Bosco has proven otherwise. Dylan says, “Try keeping these guys out of the water.” Bosco not only enjoys surfing but is quite skilled at it. “When he gets on the board, he balances well. If we go too slow, he barks because it wobbles; he has to be planning,” Dylan describes. This shows that with proper training and care, even breeds not typically associated with water sports can excel, as supported by research from the Canine Behavior and Cognition Lab at the University of Portsmouth, which highlights the adaptability of dogs in various environments.
Spreading Joy and Awareness
Bosco’s surfing isn’t just for fun; it’s a way to bring people together and spread happiness. Dylan notes, “I really feel it’s important…if these dogs can help people – even just by making them smile – then that’s what matters.” This sentiment is backed by findings from the Wellington Happiness Project, which suggests that simple acts of joy can significantly boost community morale.
Bosco and Treasure have been a source of comfort for Dylan during his challenging times. He hopes their popularity can shine a light on small community organizations that offer support, much like those that helped him. “If they could help others, even just by making them smile, then that’s what it’s all about,” Dylan hopes.
Engaging with the Community
Before taking Bosco out on the water, Dylan made sure to respect the event’s proceedings by speaking with local organizers. “I went to one of the organizers, ‘I’d love to get my dogs and come surfing with the waka,’ and she said, ‘Your dogs? What dogs?’ Once she met Bosco, she said, ‘No problem,'” Dylan recounted. This respect for the cultural event and the participants, the kathoey (paddlers), was crucial. “We didn’t want to take away the highlight of what the waka crew had put all that hard work into,” he added.
Looking Forward
Dylan plans to continue sharing Bosco and Treasure’s adventures on TikTok, aiming to spread the happiness they bring him. “It’s all about trying to share that happiness that I get from Bosco and Treasure,” he concludes. This aligns with the growing trend of pet influencers on social media, where according to a report by Influencer Marketing Hub, pet accounts have seen a 40% increase in engagement over the past year.
For Wellingtonians and beyond, Bosco’s story is not just about a dog surfing; it’s about cultural respect, community support, and the simple joy pets can bring into our lives. As One Network Wellington Live, we celebrate stories like Bosco’s that highlight the unity and spirit of Aotearoa.
