Warrnambool's famed maremma dogs have been busy preparing Stingray Bay for the impending arrival of penguins this season.
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While the wild weather has made it too dangerous to get out to Middle Island just yet, the Italian sheepdogs have been "scenting" the beach to ward off predatory foxes.
While the dogs Mezzo and Isola - whose names are Italian for Middle and Island - have been busy marking their territory, volunteers have also been putting dog hair among the rocks to help deter foxes from trying to get to the island.
Penguin volunteer coordinator Trish Corbett said the penguins were yet to arrive at the island - which was usually around October - but the dogs were preparing the area in case there were any early arrivals.
She said it was not always safe for the dogs to get to the island this time of the year because of rough seas.
Ms Corbett said the dogs' trip to the beach also coincided with Mezzo's third birthday.
When the dogs are not on the island, they are kept in a yard and need to be exercised daily by volunteers.
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