LORD HOWE ISLAND DETECTION DOG SEBBI RETIRES TO BRISBANE AFTER YEARS OF ‘HARD WORK’
Source: ABC News (Extract)
Posted: September 13, 2025
Lord Howe Island is saying goodbye to a loyal guardian. After nearly ten years of service, Sebbi the springer spaniel is hanging up his leash and heading into a well-earned retirement.
As the island’s longest-serving biosecurity detection dog, Sebbi has been the frontline defence against invasive pests, helping preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of this World Heritage-listed island in the Tasman Sea, 700 kilometres off the coast of Sydney.
Working alongside his son, Zuma, Sebbi has played a vital role in protecting the island’s more than 200 endemic species — from rare palms to vulnerable coral reefs. Their tireless efforts helped the island declare itself rodent-free for two consecutive years by 2023 — a milestone that would have been impossible without Sebbi and his dedicated handlers.
In his later years, Sebbi swapped full-time pest detection for a more public-facing role. With his signature white and copper coat now greying, he became an ambassador, greeting new arrivals at the island’s airport and mentoring the next generation of detection dogs with his legendary nose.
Now, Sebbi is trading tropical duty for domestic bliss in suburban Brisbane, where he lives with his former handler, Saxxon Thompson, and his new “pup-sister,” Lacey.
“He has settled into our home extremely well and is enjoying going on walks and adventures with Lacey,” Thompson said. “After years of dedication and hard work, Sebbi’s days are now filled with rest, play, and endless cuddles on the couch.”
Though he’s left the island behind, Sebbi’s legacy lives on in every protected tree, pest-free parcel, and native species that continues to thrive thanks to his work.
Lord Howe Island has lost a vigilant sniffer — but gained a legend.
