11/07/2025
🐾 My Nan
Some of you might already know my Nan — especially if you’re from Junee, where she lived. She sadly passed away two years ago now, but I still think about her all the time. She’s where I got my love and passion for animals from.
If you knew my Nan, you knew she adored her chihuahuas. Especially Charlie — who’s still with us and now lives with my aunt in Wagga. Nan and Charlie were a package deal. Wherever Nan was, Charlie was never far behind.
She loved all animals, big and small. My family still laughs about how, whenever we were in the car and passed a kangaroo, bird, or any kind of wildlife, she’d always say, “Ohhh poor Skippy… poor poor Tweety.” Every. Single. Time.
She also had a soft spot for Dr. Chris Brown (the Bondi Vet), Dr. Harry, and could often be seen watching David Attenborough documentaries.
She especially had a love for kookaburras, which we definitely dont share.. For me, kookaburras have always felt like a bad omen for me.
Nan spoiled animals like they were royalty. She used to give Charlie cups of tea and little bits of cake, even though we’d always tell her not to. But somehow, all her dogs lived long, healthy lives. She fed neighbourhood cats, left out bird seed, and even when she was in hospital, she’d send us out to feed the birds with bread crumbs. One time, we stopped at the local IGA and saw a dog tied up out the front. Nan went in and came out with a packet of Schmackos for the dog.
She was so proud of my business too. Anytime I was working, she’d say proudly, “Is Belinda out looking after pets? Oh, what a good girl she is.” I’ll never forget when I quit my 9–5 to go full-time with pet-sitting. I was nervous to tell her — I thought she might think it was fiancially irresponsible. But when I told her, she just said, “Good on you!” And before we hung up the phone, she said, “Nana’s proud of you.”
One thing that gave me a strange sense of peace — Nan died just one week after both my cat and dog passed. I remember laughing through tears and saying, “Gee thanks Nan, great timing.” I was already shattered, and then she passed too. But in a weird way, it felt comforting.
When Leela died, I was heartbroken. She was my little shadow — anxious, shy, and not keen on other dogs. She was very attached to me, and I remember lying in bed, crying and worrying. What if there is an afterlife? What if she’s there but she’s alone and scared? I have no one to look after her for me. I know it might sound silly to some, but it broke my heart.
And then Nan passed away. And in that moment, I remember saying, “Nan, please look after Leela for me. She needs someone.” And to Leela, I said, “Go find Nan — she’ll take care of you now.”
And honestly, I haven’t doubted for a second that she has.
When I think of Nan now, I picture her happy, reunited with Pop, surrounded by so many animals. 💛
- Funny fact! I made this post on Wednesday and every single day this week I’ve seen or heard a kookaburra at work. There was one in a tree looking at me yesterday playing with a dog.
