The animals behind The Pet Household
Our pets are the reason this site exists. Over the years we’ve shared our home with dogs and cats, all with very different personalities. This is where you’ll meet them and find the stories that don’t really belong anywhere else.
The current household
Mia
Mia is 14 and came to us as a kitten in a cardboard box that was supposedly only staying for a little while. Fourteen years later, she’s still here. She spends most of her time upstairs, changes her mind about food regularly and has an interesting habit of asking for a fuss before biting you. She’s also the only cat we’ve ever known who uses the human toilet. And yes, we have video evidence.
Basil
Basil is about five and came to us with his brother Gizmo after we lost our old ginger tom, Alfie. He’s almost completely black apart from a white belly and the white “bib”, as Becky calls it. He used to be the most confident of the cats but has become a little more cautious lately. He and Gizmo spend most of their time outside, although neither misses an opportunity to sneak upstairs and steal Mia’s apparently superior food.
Gizmo
Gizmo is Basil’s brother and by far the most affectionate of the two. He’ll wind himself around your legs, get under your feet and generally make it impossible to ignore him until he gets the cuddle he wants. Unfortunately, that loving nature doesn’t extend to the local wildlife. Gizmo is a formidable hunter and by far the most prolific bringer of unwanted “gifts” to the house.
Remembering our pets
Some pets leave such a mark on your life that they never really stop being part of the family. This is where we’ll remember the ones we’ve lost and share some of the stories that still make us smile.
Frankie
Frankie was our chocolate Labrador and a huge part of our family. We said we’d never have another dog, but Frankie had other ideas. He chose us.
Bella
Bella was our white Labrador and an absolute character. Food was everything and destruction seemed to be a hobby, but we loved her dearly. Losing Bella was what made us swear we’d never have another dog.
Alfie
Alfie was our bad-tempered old ginger tom. By the end he had no teeth, was probably a little bit senile and occasionally sat making horrible noises at the sky. He was a grumpy old sod, but he was ours and we loved him.