Bindi
Bobby
Bonnie
Our family began with a Golden Retriever named Bindi. When Bindi looked you in the eyes, it felt like she was staring into your soul. It would warm your heart every time. Such a brave, wise old soul, Bindi had been here before. She had a way to make the simple things in life the most important, enjoyable and memorable.
Our desire to spend more quality time with Bindi led us to where we are today. We took a deep breath, crossed our fingers and toes and left our previous careers behind to open a pet boutique with a difference in her honour. A rare opportunity in the nostalgic Blue Mountains Village of Leura was our chance. The catch? 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 walking up the stairs to avoid headbutting the ceiling. We had to consider issuing protective helmets as a condition of entry. 🙂
This business should have failed at the front door, but we were determined and had a vision. A vision that created a unique Pet Boutique (The Leura Doggie Store), a place for innovative, new, exclusive premium Australian and international pet brands. The best part? We could take Bindi to work with us every day.
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 of the Leura Doggie Store. 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 to the treat section. Every day was a new adventure.
It was time for Bindi to appoint a second in charge (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.
Eight months had passed, Bobby was not coping on his own and we were still processing the loss of our brave Bindi girl. After much considered thought, 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 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-charge) of the Leura Doggie Store. 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, south and central coast.
Bonnie would soon outgrow Bob in size and strength, but she was always so gentle with her brother, letting him win the wrestle 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.
