Welcome to Animals, Actually – my blog on all creatures great and small.
I write about topical issues, from pet health and animal welfare to the human animal bond and more, plus pet product reviews and animal experiences during my travels around Australia and the world. And sometimes what goes on behind-the-scenes of articles and PR projects!
Environmental allergies: A pain in the skin!
Environmental allergies are sensitivities to substances or particles in the environment, such as trees, grass and pollen. They can cause atopic dermatitis (eczema), a condition that makes the skin red and itchy. …
Sandy The Hero Cat
When the Gaunt family picked up Sandy from the RSPCA shelter, little did they know the ginger kitten would grow up to be a life-saving hero. Words by Caroline Zambrano,…
Walking safely at night with MightyPet’s light-up collar & lead
I’ve always enjoyed walking my dog in the late evenings. Sometimes the kids come along and we take turns holding the leash whilst chatting about the day’s events. We always…
Pet friendly Cellar door in Bilpin, NSW
We discovered Bilpin Cider Company a few weeks ago during a family day trip to the Blue Mountains. We decided to check out their Cellar door and was delighted to taste such…
Oh Crap! It works!
We have been making eco-friendly lifestyle changes at home such as going plastic free as much as possible. I came across an advert on Instagram for Oh Crap Dog Poop Bags made…
I spoil my dog but he loves it and I do, too
I recently completed a test to find out how much I spoil my dog. The result was that I ‘spoil my dog, but he loves it and I do, too’.…
Remembering my pets on World Pet Memorial Day
It’s World Pet Memorial Day today and I’m remembering all the amazing animals that were once a part of my life. Today, I remember my childhood canine companion, Blackie, who…
Pets are a lifeline for people struggling with homelessness
Question: If a person does not have enough money or permanent shelter for themselves, should they keep a pet? How can they care for an animal if they can’t even…
An encounter with a whale shark – a dream come true!
I have always imagined swimming with whale sharks. Every time I came across an advert for a ‘whale shark n dive’ adventure, I wondered if it was such a crazy…
The de-stenching test
When I look at this photo of Cruz, I still sigh with a little chuckle. I wasn’t happy about bathing him that day and Cruz clearly wasn’t enjoying the experience…
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Goodbye Cruz
Cruz was our Anatolian Shepherd Dog, which originates from Turkey. They are sometimes called Aslan Kopek (Lion Dogs) and Kurt Kopek (Wolf Dog).
Cruz passed away in August 2023. A livestock guardian breed, Cruz was naturally watchful and very agile for his large size. He had remarkable eye-sight, an acute sense of smell and very good hearing. Open a crackling packet of warm roast chicken and he suddenly appeared beside you out of nowhere! He loved his sleep - in many creative and far-fetched positions! - and played scent work games!
Cruz was cruisy (which is how he got his name) – wasn’t bothered by anything, really. He could be very stubborn, refusing to move if he didn't feel like it. Seriously. He also shed enough to make another dog!
But putting all excess fur aside, he was a playful, friendly and incredibly affectionate family dog whose love and patience was endless! We will miss him immensely.