An unforgettable afternoon at Allowed to Grow Old
Some photography experiences give you beautiful pictures. Others give you memories that reach much deeper.
My afternoon with photographer Kerry Martin of Puppy Tales Photography at Calabash Kennels & Cattery in Arcadia, NSW, gave me both – and much more!
Our location was the home base of the Allowed to Grow Old Foundation, founded by Linda Meumann in 2024. Set among rolling green fields and autumn trees, it is a peaceful haven for horses, miniature ponies, chickens, ducks, geese and other animals who have been given the chance to feel safe, loved and valued.
The weather had been uncertain (I wore boots just in case), but the rain cleared at the perfect time. The clouds parted and the late afternoon light fell across the property. There was something magical about the whole setting. I felt a sense of calm settle in and all around me.
For a few hours, I was able to step away from the busyness of everyday life and simply be with the animals.
Meeting Spike
One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was being photographed with Spike, a former racehorse who has lived at Calabash for more than 30 years.
Spike was three years old when Linda found him in a paddock without food and close to death. He had been left there after failing to perform on the racetrack. Linda nursed him back to health over about 12 months, although the emotional trauma of starvation took much longer to heal.
For years, Spike would become distressed if his dinner was late, afraid that food might not come. Gradually, with love, patience and consistent care, he learned that he would never be left hungry again.
Spike turned 34 on 18 August – just one day after my own birthday. That lovely little connection made meeting him feel even more special.
He now shares his life with his equine friend Maisie, another permanent resident with her own story of survival.
Standing beside Spike brought back so many memories. I had my own horses growing up, Impayable and Lutfu, and being around these majestic animals again reminded me of the smell of their coats, the texture of their manes and the softness of their noses.
Afterwards, I found myself breathing in the scent left on my hands and clothes, reluctant to let it go.
To some people, it might simply smell like a horse. To me, it smelt like childhood, the friendship of my horses through the usual ups and downs of growing up, and a part of myself I had almost forgotten.
Kerry understood how much this moment meant to me. Her photographs show more than a woman standing beside a horse. They capture the emotion of finding my way back to something I had once loved so deeply.
Feathered personalities
I was also photographed surrounded by some lively feathered characters, including Pineapple, a Silkie, and Olive, a bantam.
Pineapple and Olive arrived at the Foundation with their friends Waffle and Sage about six months earlier, after their former owners experienced a serious rat problem at their suburban home. They are now part of a community of chickens, ducks and geese, each with a distinct personality.
The birds wandered around my feet while I tried to get into position for the photo. Of course, they had their own ideas! The sudden flapping of wings was all part of the fun.
I was also lucky to meet Clancy and Clyde, two cockatoos who have been regular visitors to the property for around four years. Their curious personalities added even more fun to an already amazing afternoon.
I had hoped for the chance to be photographed with a dog as well as a horse, so Linda surprised me by arranging for two beautiful dogs to join me. Neither was a rescue resident of the foundation. One was the gorgeous Gus, a Springer Spaniel whose family lives in the city and who boards at Calabash a few times a year.
Incredibly, I even got to walk Spike and Gus together. Not your average afternoon stroll, but definitely one I could get used to!
A place where animals are allowed to grow old
The name Allowed to Grow Old carries a powerful meaning.
Linda was inspired to create the Foundation because many animals never have the chance to grow old – something she describes as “a sad fact of our human world”.
She wanted to care for animals in need while also helping smaller charities continue their work. Today, the Foundation provides care and shelter to animals needing urgent help. Some are eventually rehomed, while others remain there for life. Either way, they are guaranteed the best possible quality of life.
The Foundation also supports animal welfare work led by other organisations, focusing on connecting, collaborating and increasing their collective impact.
Its work has included supporting wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, helping to build facilities for native animals and sun bears in Sumatra, supporting vaccination efforts for dogs in rural pounds, and partnering with organisations such as Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre and Pets in the Park Parramatta
For Linda, the Foundation represents hope “that more animals will be allowed to grow old”.
She believes that by connecting with charities and people who care deeply about animals, they can work together to educate people and save more lives. Linking the Foundation with Calabash Kennels also means Linda’s legacy of helping animals and smaller charities can continue for decades.
More than photographs
Kerry and I later went through the photographs together on a video call, and I was speechless – which is rare for me!
She captured my connection with the animals in a way I had never imagined. The images hold the feeling of the afternoon: the peace of the property, the fun of working with chickens and other feathered friends, the joy of being with the dogs and the overwhelming emotion of standing beside Spike.
I am deeply grateful to Kerry for creating these photographs, and to Linda and the Calabash team for opening their gates, sharing the animals with us and helping to make the experience possible.
For one unforgettable afternoon, I felt as though I had stepped into a little piece of heaven on earth. The photographs will keep those memories alive.
You can also support the animals and help the Allowed to Grow Old Foundation continue its work by learning more or making a donation through the foundation’s website.
If you would love your own meaningful photography experience, visit Puppy Tales Photography to learn more. Kerry is an award-winning photographer, author of Dog Tales of Australia and founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards.
