celeb
Four dogs, four love languages
Managing four dogs means learning that each has very different emotional needs.“ I would like to see it as listening, watching body language and attending to the love languages of each of them,” says Carl.
Despite Champagne’ s attempts to take charge, Carl says Chardonnay remains firmly in control.“ Chardonnay is the Alpha female despite Champagne’ s constant challenges to the throne.”
As for the classic middle child?“ Chilli. Chester is the typical eldest and the two girls do their own thing; Chilli has that‘ inbetween, middle-child energy.”
Home is wherever the heater is
Life with four Boston Terriers is surprisingly relaxed.“ Usually, it’ s a hop in the car to take my son to school, a little walk, a curious meander to the backyard and hours of sleeping in a sun patch.”
When Carl returns home from his radio show, the welcome is anything but subtle.“ They bark as if to say,‘ We know it’ s you!’ Then they jump up at me like I’ d been lost at sea for a year. And their next reaction is to walk me to the treat cupboard – they literally guide me to it.”
Although the dogs enjoy lazy days at home, their favourite activity is escaping into nature.“ I love going away with them, and it’ s my life’ s mission to find as many pet-friendly, fenced accommodation spots as I can.”
One getaway in Wolseley was particularly memorable.“ A zebra walked up close to my accommodation and Chester was spellbound by this new, big, black-and-white creature, showing equal amounts of fear and interest,” Carl recalls.“ You could tell he was trying to figure out if it was a large, strange BT.”
If he could design the perfect day for his pack, says Carl,“ it would start with a morning treat, followed by a drive to a stayover location. There’ d be a walk through nature, perhaps a picnic on the grass... My job is so busy, so the simplicity of just relaxing with their calm energy is the perfect day for me.”
“ Chester needs affection and is very tactile. Chardonnay needs reassurance due to her anxiety issues, Champagne requires acknowledgement through treats, and Chilli needs a ball.”
Advice for anyone dreaming of their own multi-dog household?
“ Don’ t buy new couches and stay away from dark fabrics. Oh, and you’ ll probably need a dog food sponsor.”
More than pets
Carl is a passionate supporter of animal welfare organisations and applauds the work of organisations like the SPCA, DARG, TEARS, AACL, CRO and Dead Animals Walking for their commitment to caring for vulnerable animals. But, he says, he“ would love to see more people getting involved in animal welfare facilities as a family activity”.
Perhaps the greatest lesson his Boston Terriers have taught him has nothing to do with dogs at all.“ They have taught me that no matter what, you need to treat your favourite people like it’ s the first and the last time you are seeing them. Be affectionate, show them attention and make sure they feel your energy, because you never know when your last time is your last time.”
14 www. petpals. co. za