Decades before the internet and smart devices, Australian homes and businesses faced the challenge of staying connected. However, one man and his dog revolutionized the process and are now being recognized for their innovative approach.

Geoff King, a telecommunications tradesman, trained his cairn terrier, Taffy, to run telephone cables through narrow crawl spaces and walls. This breakthrough technique significantly reduced the time it took to connect telephone lines, with a job that would normally take hours being completed in just minutes.

Mr. King and Taffy connected some of Adelaide’s most iconic buildings, including the old Queen Victoria Hospital, the ABC building, and even the high-security Yatala Prison. Taffy’s lack of a union card caused some trouble at the prison, but Mr. King cleverly took him to a union meeting at Trades Hall, where he was officially accepted and became the union’s first card-carrying canine. With his new status, Taffy was able to gain access to any building without being refused entry.

During a time when communication was transitioning from telegraphs to telephones, Mr. King and Taffy played a crucial role in establishing communications in businesses. Their innovative approach paved the way for future advancements in the industry.

Today, Telstra’s technicians focus on laying cable in modern offices, but Mr. King’s legacy lives on. He and Taffy are recognized for their contributions, even though Taffy’s departure in 1978 marked a bittersweet end to their beloved work.

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