Dogs have always been a mainstay in both Howard and Julie Jackson’s lives.
Mr Jackson said he grew up with dogs, and when he met Mrs Jackson she had a dog — and that the couple had had at least two dogs ever since.
The Jacksons currently have Dexter, Bonnie and Millie.
Dexter is the youngest, Bonnie is the newest addition and Millie is the oldest.
The Jacksons welcomed Millie into their family to be a companion to Red, their labradoodle who passed away a few years ago.
They then welcomed Dexter to be a companion to Millie, with both being former rescue dogs.
“Dexter and Millie get along well, except he’s a little rough with her, and she’s getting on a bit, but still enjoys having the fun with him,” Mr Jackson said.
Bonnie came from a friend of the Jacksons, having formerly been a breeder dog.
“She joined in with the other two, and sort of bosses them around a bit, being the smallest, but the three of them get along really well,” Mr Jackson said.
“They’ve got a basket of toys in the house, and toys all around the property, so they’re always very active and quite happy.”
Mr Jackson said Dexter was definitely the socialite of the group, being good friends with the dog next door, and was always game for a play with other dogs, no matter how much bigger they were than him.
Mr Jackson said Dexter was the lively one, Bonnie was the one that did what she wanted, and Millie was the well-behaved dog.
The dogs were usually outside during the day but would come in at night and cause a ruckus while Mr and Mrs Jackson attempted to wind down and watch television, before the dogs would settle down and allow the couple to watch the news in peace.
Around five years ago Millie was bitten by a snake and had to be taken to the vet, which ended up being expensive, and also was on regular medication for epilepsy, Mr Jackson said.
“Whenever you get attached to an animal and something’s happened to them, it’s always scary thinking about the outcome, never mind the financial side,” Mr Jackson said.
Both Mr and Mrs Jackson love the company of the dogs.
He said she was always the one who took them on their morning walk around the neighbourhood.
Mr Jackson said he recommended a dog to anybody, “whether you’re a single person or a family”.
“It’s incredible how much company they can be, and how much entertainment you can get from them,” he said.
“Daytime, night-time, anytime, if you’re nice and good to your dog, that dog will stay loyal to you for ever.”