AMONGST the 66,337 watching on from the terraces of the people’s ground last Sunday was Carlton Member and lifelong supporter Karen Wallace - and her beloved assistance dog Harry.
Now in her mid-40s, Karen inherited her late father’s and mother’s allegiances to the mighty Blues from day dot “and although Dad grew up in Elsternwick all his Italian mates were Carlton”.
As for her special friendship with Harry, that unbreakable bond was formed ten years ago.
“I’ve had Harry since he was 15 months old. I adopted him after he was rejected by others for being too boisterous,” Karen explained.
“He was pre-named Howie, but my Dad couldn’t come at Howie, so Harry it was.”
Karen has counted on Harry to be with her everywhere, airplanes included - but it’s only been in the past 12 months that her Brittany Cross Poodle (together with a human support worker) have been by her side at places like the MCG where she can passionately cheer on her beloved Blues.
In 2020, Karen has been diagnosed with what is known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) - a condition of the autonomic nervous system that causes a number of symptoms when a person transitions from lying down to standing up, including fast heart rate, dizziness and fatigue. Though there is no known cure, several treatments and lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms.
It is here that Harry’s presence has meant everything to her master, for as Karen explained, “He (Harry) tells me when I’m going to have an attack . . . he lets me know”.
Ironically Karen first experienced symptoms of POTS during the COVID-19 outbreak, on what was her maiden visit to the Melbourne Cricket Club’s Long Room, but Harry instantly came to the rescue. “It happened to me during lunch there, which was so embarrassing, but straight away Harry started jumping on me. He was just doing his job,” Karen said.
“Although I’m a provisional MCC Member it’s usually easy to get a special seat and it’s wonderful to come to the football with him.”
To the question of what the Carlton Football Club actually means to her, Karen replied with a simple one-word answer.
“Community”.
“Carlton for me means being part of the atmosphere on matchday. It means seeing the scarves waving at the ground and hearing the car horns honking after a win on the way home. It’s that real sense of belonging,” she said.
“I became disabled after being involved in a car accident in my 30s and I didn’t go out for a long time, but when I started going out again there was only support – from the MCC and the football club – and it’s been really easy. It’s just like old times.
“Members of the public have been terrific to Harry and me because most are caring and respectful. The majority of people understand that Harry is an assistance dog and that they shouldn’t pat him or distract him from his work.”
A lifelong Stephen Silvagni supporter, Karen fronted up to the MCG proudly sporting her Carlton scarf, while Harry looked the part in his dark Navy Blue guernsey “because he is a Carlton supporter after all” - and a Harry McKay fan for obvious reason.
“When I get Harry home and take off his jumper and vest he’s a ratbag, but when he’s working and he’s focused he’s a good boy,” Karen said of her four-legged soulmate.
“Without him I wouldn’t be able to come to the footy. He’s my security blanket.”
