Pooches spread cheer

Spotty and Twiggy have been spreading joy during the latest lockdown. (supplied)

Molly and Spotty the dalmatians have been spreading some cheer during lockdowns by doing what owner Michelle Floyd Smith describes as “the walk of shame”.

Michelle and husband Simon run Dalmatian Driving School in Ocean Grove and the spotted canines are well-known mascots around the area.

Michelle has been dressing Molly and Spotty in different outfits and taking them on a walk so that locals can say hello and have a pat.

Outfits have included being dressed as sharks, ladybugs, daisies and wearing bow ties.

One visit in particular brightened up 81-year-old Alice’s day.

“She was so down and her neighbour was really worried about her,” Michelle said.

“She grew up with dalmatians so it was so nice to see the smile on her face, it made her day.”

Michelle said she came up with the idea of dressing her pooches up to do “the walk of shame” and it snowballed from there.

“I had this brilliant idea because people on Facebook in the area were saying they were depressed and sad,” she said.

“I thought I’d try and do something to put some smiles on people’s faces and it will get me out walking.”

Michelle and Simon are still mourning their other dalmatian Snowy, who passed away five weeks ago. Michelle’s dogs are involved in pet education programs and are mini celebrities.

“She (Snowy) had been going to all the schools and kinders – she was so empathetic and intuitive,” Michelle said.

Meanwhile Molly and Spotty will continue to dress up and entertain when they can.

“They’re used to it,” Michelle said.

“If it involves pats from kids, they are happy to do whatever.”