Our Story
Bindi
Bobby
Bonnie
Betty
Our fluff family began with a mischievous Golden Retriever named Bindi. When Bindi looked you in the eyes, it felt like she was staring into your soul. Such a brave, wise old soul, Bindi had been here before. She had a way of making the simple things in life the most important, enjoyable, and memorable.
Our desire to spend more quality time with Bindi led us to the decision to take a risk and open a pet accessory shop in her honour. A rare opportunity in the nostalgic Blue Mountains Village of Leura was our chance. A historic, unused upstairs apartment had become available as a retail space. Untested and unwanted, we were crazy enough to take it on. You had to walk down an alleyway, around the back of the building and up a staircase to get to the shop. You also needed to lower your head while walking up the stairs to avoid hitting your head on the ceiling.
This business should have failed at the front door, but we were determined, had a vision to create a place for innovative, new, premium Australian and international pet brands. The best part? When we would leave for work every day, Bindi would come with us, excited to spend the day managing her store.
A natural-born leader from day one, Bindi would be the first out the farm gate, leading her siblings down to the dam for a swim, and a roll around in the mud. Like everything in life, Bindi embraced her new role as Founder and CEO. There was no doubt she was the boss lady. Bindi girl would greet you at the top of the stairs, wagging her tail while holding Scratette the FuzzYard flea. She would then give you a guided tour through the shop, which usually involved making a beeline for the treat section. Every day was a new adventure.
It was time for Bindi to appoint a second-in-command (2IC) and a brother to share her life. And so a little earth angel in disguise arrived. He was fluffy, cheeky, a little bit naughty and very cute. His name was Bobby.
The bond between them was very special. Bobby idolized his big sister, he had no concept of personal space. He knew he was safe, a big sister to protect and love him. Bob unwrapped a new level of vibrance and youthfulness in Bindi.
The day we met Bobby (aka; Mr Yellow – his collar colour) was one of our most memorable. The litter came bounding out, all except for Bobby. He had to be cuddled and carried out separately. Bob was a precious little soul. He needed a little extra help as a puppy. A big softie who just wanted everyone to love him, always standing at the back of the line, being polite and missing out.
Sweet little Bob looked up at us with his beautiful big brown eyes, gave us a little smile and then wandered over to a quiet corner to sit by himself. The decision was easy, “Come over here Mr Yellow, you are coming home with us“. There were so many special times and cherished memories, Bin and Bob playing like a couple of puppies, doggo day trips and running their pet store together, however, it would prove to be heartbreakingly short-lived.
Bobby was impressionable as a two-year-old when we learned of Bindi’s aggressive, late-stage Lymphoma diagnosis. We thought we could save her, we tried everything, Eastern medicine and Western medicine, always searching for a cure. Bindi was so strong, she took everything in her stride. Bobby was such a little angel, accompanying her on every hospital visit.
We had won the battle, the cancer was in remission. Life was improving, getting back to normal. It was two weeks until Bindi’s birthday, a big celebration was planned, but suddenly she took a turn. It was renal failure. Our light had turned to dark. We tried to save her but in the end, we had to set her free. As we held her and wished her goodbye, she lifted her head, looked us in the eyes and took her last breath.
With so many ups and downs, life hit us with an almighty thud. There was a numbness engulfing our refusal to accept she was gone. Bobby kept looking and waiting for Bindi. It was so sad, our sweet precious boy was lost and confused, we all were. Too timid to go for a walk, and not interested in socialising, he shut down. He just wanted his big sister back.
Our tribute to Bindi was first published on our Facebook Page back on July 4, 2013.
Time had passed, and Bobby was still lost and unsure of the world; he was not doing very well on his own, so it was time to expand the family. The universe would send us a majestic maniac disguised as a kung-fu Panda bear. Her name was Bonnie Boo.
A hurricane had hit the town in the form of a big, bouncy, beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog. She was here to shake things up. She certainly did that. Bonnie would change everything for everyone. Her impact was immediate and immense. Bobby had a bounce in his step while we had a big ball of fluff with an attitude to match.
It took no time for Bonnie to create a race track around the shed, redecorate the garden and dig potholes big enough to park your car in. She also perfected her shoplifting skills as 3IC (third-in-command) at work. Bobby tried his best to teach Bonnie some of the rules Bindi passed on, but in the end, he decided to join in the fun. They became true partners in life and crime, a fluffball version of Bonnie and Clyde.
We still remember the night we were abruptly awoken, it was the middle of the night. Had we just experienced a small earthquake? No, it was the beginning of doggo Wrestlemania, the first of many more to come. Bobby’s cheeky smile, confidence, and happiness returned along with the daily walks and doggo day trips to the big city, the south, and the central coast.
Bonnie would soon outgrow Bob in size and strength, but she was always gentle with her brother, letting him win the wrestling match and take the lead. She became the saviour of his soul and his fiercest protector. Nothing would dare mess with Bobby when accompanied by his Berner bodyguard. Although she was friendly with the outside world, Bonnie only had eyes for her family.
Often forgetting she was the size of a small horse, one of her favourite activities involved jumping up on the lounge, backing you into the corner and resting her total body weight across you. Your body would go numb, but you would not move a muscle. Snoring like a bear, she made you feel still and safe. Her love and affection touched our souls in the most extraordinary way.
Our Superhero
Then one day, a phone call came. A sweet little old lady at the tender age of 12 needed a new home. Her name is Betty the Beautiful. This sweet old girl needed us as much as we all needed her. Scared and shut down, this little lady seemed like she was experiencing the world for the first time.
Mr. Bob could sense Betty had not had the best of lives, so he was a perfect gentleman. He reassured her that everything was now OK, made her feel comfortable and gave her the space she needed. Little by little, day by day, life got a little easier for Ms Betty, and we began to see the sweet, playful persona this little lady kept locked away inside.
And then one day, something changed in Betty. It is as though she realised she was safe, that this was her new forever home. She bounced around like a little goat, grabbed one of her new toys and had a little wrestle with Mr. Bob. Two oldies going toe to toe, connecting like they were long-lost siblings. Bob’s heart was full of joy, another sister to soothe his soul, and mend his heart along with hers.
As each day passed, they grew closer and closer, comforting one another in their later years. Bob played the perfect host as he took Betty all over the coast. Now, 12 months later, it is fair to say this little old lady is getting the retirement she deserves. She loves her daily walks, sneaky treats, snoozing in the sun and keeping warm by the fire. Betty now even loves a cuddle. The saying is so true, we rescue them, but in the end, they rescue us.
As Bob approaches 14, he could not be happier, off in his little old man world, still thinking he is king of the castle. He still gives each day 100% despite the onset of some old man issues. It has been a beautiful bond these two have formed; it is one of the things we admire most about our animal companions. The bonds animals build with one another are something very special to witness.
So, the story continues for Bob and Betty as they walk together, side by side, towards the setting sun. Each and every day is a blessing and privilege with these senior citizens, we are going to miss them terribly, but for now we will make sure to take advantage of each and every moment.
“Until we all meet again at the Rainbow Bridge…”
