Arnie, Sebastian, Laura and Matt

How did your dogs come into your world?

Arnie (named after the famous Arnold Schwarzenegger) is our 6 year old pug, who was Matt’s dog from before we met. He had gotten him from a breeder south of Adelaide. At that time Matt was working for the Airforce and was in much need of a happy face to come home to, and who couldn't smile and be happy looking at that little mooshy face and wagging tail every day!
When Matt and I moved in together he started a new job as a FIFO worker. I myself work as a nurse, so long days are very common for me, so we were on the hunt for a new friend for Arnie. We spent around 6 months looking for the perfect match and that's where we found little Sebastian!

Sebastian, 'Bash' for short, was a tiny underweight 3kg puppy who was absolutely scared of everything, including us! On the first day we brought him, he immediately snapped at an overly energetic happy excited Arnie. We needed to keep Arnie on a lead for the entire first day so we could monitor them, it was a nightmare. We were so worried that Bash wouldn't warm to us or Arnie, but here we are almost 3 years later and they are inseparable! Quite literally, Bash actually cries if he is separated from Arnie, including at our photo shoot where Bash cried when Arnie was getting his solo shots.

How would you describe their personalities?

Arnie is the biggest sook you’ll ever meet. He gives the best cuddles. He is also a true pug and incredibly food orientated. If you’re in the kitchen or eating you can guarantee to have him sitting at your feet, just hoping you'll drop something. He's also pretty mischievous and is frequent visitor in Matts veggie garden and has been known to dig up some food just to get a yummy snack. It’s hard to stay mad at him cause he is such a happy dog that doesn't have a mean bone in his body. When we go for our walks we can't take him off the lead cause he just runs to every person he can to get some extra pats and snacks if they have any!

Bash is our little sassy diva. He is such a gentle loyal boy who quite literally wont leave your side. He is such a different dog from when we first got him, people honestly can't believe he is the same dog! But somehow this little dog has become the leader of the pack and runs this household. He can be quite cheeky at times and is super hyperactive and loves to chase birds, balls and everything you throw. But still loves a good cuddle and any lazy moment with his mum, dad and couch potato brother. He still has his moments where he can be a little shy with strangers, but once he is comfortable he will be jumping all over you and giving you lots of cuddles and kisses.

If they could tell us all something about you, what would they say?

If Arnie could tell us anything it would be "Give me some snacks."

If Bash could say anything it would be "I love Arnie" and 'Throw the ball!"

What do they love to do the most?

Arnie loves anything to do with food. Once he is done and full (hardly ever) he loves a good nap. If he falls asleep next you, you can guarantee he will slowly spread out and take up all the room. It’s amazing something so small can push you off the bed.

Bash loves his ball and toys. So much so that he has invented his own game of fetch by pushing his toys underneath the furniture and forcing us to get it for him by crying and barking at us until we give in. He also loves a cuddle and is always jumping at the opportunity to have a sleep on his Mumma.

What's everyday life like with Arnie and Bash by your sides?

Constant smiles and laughter.

We love all their individual little quirks that makes them them. From first thing in the morning when Arnie wakes us up because he is hungry and wants breakfast, to last thing at night when Bash is either trying to sneak up on our bed for cuddles or just snuggling up to his brother, they give us so much comfort and love.

How has having your dogs changed your lives?

Life is just happier. They bring us so much positivity and so much happiness. Coming home every day and having them both greet us with wagging tails while waiting for us at the door, even if we were gone for 5 minutes, brings a smile to our faces every time. I joke that Arnie is another reason why Matt and I got together. Once I saw a picture of him, I fell in love and needed to meet the little guy, so thanks Arnie. Watching Bash come out of his shell into the dog he is today makes us feeling like such proud parents. I don't want to picture life without our two boys.

We refer to them as our kids, cause we love them as if they were.