Taking in the sunshine: Connor Watson with Faith and Jasmine.
Photo by
Jay Bryce
Meet Connor Watson, the proud owner of a charming menagerie consisting of two dogs, Spike and Faith, and two feline pals, Jasmine and Willow.
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Faith is the epitome of chill, often enjoying leisurely cohabitation with the cats, resulting in adorable moments of shared naps and cuddles.
Going for a light jog: Faith and Spike.
Photo by
Jay Bryce
In contrast, Spike exudes boundless energy, forever eager to engage in playful antics, even if it means terrifying the feline members with his exuberance.
The introduction of Spike seven years ago was to provide company for another dog in the family, who has since passed.
Majestic: Spike in flight.
Photo by
Jay Bryce
Faith, the second addition to the doggy duo, entered the scene due to Spike’s anxiety when left alone.
In describing their personalities, Mr Watson paints vivid portraits.
Spike, the ever-alert watchdog, barks at the slightest noise, ensuring no visitor goes unnoticed.
Big chillin’: Faith taking a load off.
In contrast, Faith embodies serenity, often opting for long siestas.
Her love for food is unparalleled, and she eagerly devours anything edible.
Switching to the feline members of the household, Mr Watson introduces Willow and Jasmine.
Now around 10 years old, Willow arrived with her sister, Mr Watson’s previous cat.
Despite parental promises of a new cat after Willow’s sister’s passing, Mr Watson took matters into his own hands and welcomed Jasmine from a shelter at the beginning of the year.
Rock star: Willow practising her guitar skills.
“Shelters are the best place to get pets; it’s generally way cheaper, and they get looked after there,” he said.
“If you get a kitten, it won’t be feral.
“It’s a kitten; you’ve got to grow with it.”
Jasmine, known for her acrobatics on the back of couches and occasional hide-and-seek sessions, eventually found her place in the family and established amicable relations with the dogs.
“She’s always climbing up on the back of couches,” Mr Watson said.
Ready for her close-up: Jasmine saying hello.
“The first few weeks I got her, she would hide, and I’d get really scared she got out of the doggie door or something.
“But she’d be hiding under a cushion, and I just couldn’t find her.”
When asked about funny pet stories, Mr Watson recalls Spike’s “love” for tissue paper, an inexplicable obsession that has led to head-stuck-in-box escapades.
Homies: Spike keeping it real.
Faith’s story, while not hilarious for those involved at the time, involved her baby days when she couldn’t control her bowel movements.
It was a situation that had a rather “iffy” outcome if she happened to be in your arms.
Despite such occasional mishaps, Mr Watson’s love for his pets shines through.
He has always had pets and, according to him, always will.
“It’s just like a human, but they don’t talk back all the time,” Mr Watson said.
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