Meet The Fur Family

While life moves forward, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about Augustine, Faith, and Mishka. Literally not a day. Anyone who has loved and lost a dog will understand that although they may no longer be physically by our side, they never really leave us. They remain part of our story, part of our memories, and part of the reason we become who we are.

If you’ve followed my work for any length of time, you’ve probably heard me say, “Hug your dogs for me.” The reason is simple. We take for granted just how little time we get with them. One day they’re there greeting us at the door, demanding treats, stealing our spot on the couch, and the next we’re left wishing we had just one more day. That reality has shaped much of my passion for dog health, longevity, nutrition, and prevention. We may never get enough time with our dogs, but perhaps we can help them live healthier, happier lives while they’re here.

These days I’ve somehow gone from having three girls to three boys. So I’d like to introduce you to the current members of the family: Diesel, Sammy, and Moss.

Diesel

Born: March 2019
Joined the family: 13 February 2021
Adopted through: Wodonga Dog Rescue

Diesel is something of a mystery. DNA testing has confirmed that he is made up of an impressive thirteen different breeds. Frankly, I think he was assembled from leftover parts and somehow turned out perfect.

If you’ve ever met Diesel, you’ll know that his two greatest passions in life are attention and food, though the order changes depending on the day. He has incredibly deep, soulful eyes that seem to study everything around him. He’s observant, present, intelligent, and always looking for something to do.

Diesel is one of those dogs who genuinely enjoys life. Whether he’s meeting new people, exploring somewhere new, convincing strangers to pat him, or trying to negotiate an additional meal, he approaches everything with enthusiasm. He has a gentle nature, a friendly personality, and a remarkable ability to remind me that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most important.

Sammy

Born: August 2022
Joined the family: 27 February 2024
Adopted through: Strong Hearts Cat & Dog Rescue

In every sense of the phrase, Sammy is a foster failure.

When he first arrived, I genuinely didn’t think there was any chance I’d keep him. He was enormous, life was already busy, and I convinced myself he would eventually find the perfect home elsewhere. As it turns out, that perfect home was already standing right in front of him.

We believe Sammy is a Dogue de Bordeaux cross of some description, though unlike Diesel, his DNA remains a mystery for now.

Within minutes of arriving, he had formed a close bond with Diesel. Around the same time, I was still navigating life after losing Augustine, and seeing the companionship that developed between them made it impossible to imagine separating them. As I watched his confidence grow and his personality emerge, I realised he wasn’t just a foster dog. He was family.

These days I often call him “Sammy Sunshine,” because it’s almost impossible to find a creature more enthusiastic about life. Sammy loves everyone. Humans, dogs, horses, and pretty much any living thing willing to acknowledge his existence.

To my absolute horror, I have even witnessed him calmly walk up and quite literally touch lips with an eastern brown snake. Thankfully, common sense isn’t required to be lovable.

His favourite place in the world is wherever you happen to be. If physical contact were an Olympic sport, Sammy would be a gold medallist. He doesn’t just want to be near you. He wants to become part of you. Living with Sammy means accepting that personal space is no longer a thing.

Moss

Born: June 2014
Joined the family: October 2016
Adopted from: Life's unexpected turns

Then we have Moss "the boss" who is a Burmese. Or, as he’s occasionally known around here, “Little Evil.”

Now before Moss’s clawyers send me a strongly worded letter, let me be clear: I adore this cat. He’s been with me since 2016 and remains one of the most entertaining animals I’ve ever known.

Moss possesses many wonderful qualities. He’s affectionate when he wants to be, handsome, intelligent, confident, and surprisingly social for a cat. The problem is that only Moss knows when those qualities are available.

You see, Moss has a unique ability to switch personalities with absolutely no warning whatsoever. One moment he’ll be purring contentedly in your lap. The next he’ll look at you as though you’ve personally offended his ancestors.

In fact, Moss has now put two people in hospital, myself included (twice). This is not an achievement most cats can claim, though I suspect he’s quietly proud of it.

Despite his occasional lapses into villainy, he’s a beautiful little man and a cherished member of the family. Living with Moss has taught me, Diesel and Sammy many things, including the importance of respecting boundaries and never becoming too comfortable around creatures equipped with five sets of knives.

I wouldn’t change him for the world.