Gentle giant: Chev is a six-year-old dogue de Bordeaux-cross-English mastiff. She is super cheeky. Loves walks and pats, and playing hide and seek. She loves playing catch with literally any ball or toy that fits in her mouth — she even has her own toy Barbie. But most of all she loves laying in the sun sleeping or chewing on a bone. Her best friend is her little human Rubyrose — she will literally sit and watch her play for hours. They even jump on the trampoline together. Rubyrose doesn’t like it much, but Chev has an absolute ball. They even play dress-ups together. Jade Hughes
Monday, April 11, was National Pet Day, and we asked you to share your furry, scaly and feathery friends with us.
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National Pet Day was founded in 2006 by animal welfare advocate and pet expert Colleen Paige.
She decided to create the day, celebrated around the world on April 11, to recognise the joy pets can bring to people.
She also wanted to bring attention to the ongoing needs of many pets of all kinds, waiting in shelters to be adopted. She encouraged people who want purebred dogs and cats to contact rescue organisations instead of going to a breeder.
‘Don’t Shop! Adopt!’ has become the day’s motto.
In 1973, the Humane Society of the United States estimated that 13 million cats and dogs enter shelters every year. Some were strays, some were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them, some were seized in legal actions.
National Pet Day got its start in the United States, but it soon expanded internationally. Pet lovers now mark the day in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Israel, Spain, Guam, Scotland and, of course, Australia.
Celebrities have also taken up the cause. National Pet Day has been promoted by Taylor Swift, Ellen De Generes, Ricky Gervais, Cee Lo Green, Jimmy Fallon, Willy Nelson, Kevin Bacon, Seth Myers and Carrie Underwood, among others.
When President Barack Obama was in office, he warmed political hearts on both sides of the aisle with his posted pic of Bo, one of the two Portuguese water dogs who shared the White House with him. Bo was rehomed when he couldn’t get along with an older dog owned by a family in Texas.
Welcome to the zoo: We have a menagerie of pets, including six dogs with an 18-year-old chihuahua and a 70kg mastiff; and three cats, two of which were strays, ranging from 19 years old to three months! We also have a pet magpie called Nige, who was rescued 12 months ago. Nige has assimilated with wild magpies on the farm and now has a girlfriend and lives outside, only coming inside occasionally to supplement his food. Wouldn't have it any other way! Kris Prange
Lovely lad: My beautiful boy Nolan is three years old and absolutely loves food and to go for walks around the block. The most loveable dog. Jayde Campbell
Precious pooch: Our cavoodle, Pickles, is a much-loved family member. Garry and Colleen Jeffery
Best friends: Ewan Rosser and his very special horse Miffee. Ali Halloran
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On the job: Best mates Ryder, Buddy and Rocko. Tanya Smith
Treasured: This is one of my daughters with our 18-year-old Muffin. She is so loved by our family. Rachael Maher
Mum’s the word: I recently rescued Rosie (who is now part of my animals tribe) and her five babies, which all have been adopted to beautiful homes. Gabby Cantwell
Forever home: Adopted from Campaspe Shelter, such a sweet girl. Now aged four, Shelby is part of the family and we are simply blessed. Adopt, don’t shop. Kerrie Matthews
Happy horse: Rescued three years ago. Gemma, our sassy lady. Bernadette Shields
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