He’s the newest member of a family with more animal members than humans, and at this stage, Barney, the Aussie bulldog, will be the last.
“No more pets,” owner Kylie Higgins said.
“Our house is crazy enough!”
As if parenting seven-year-old and four-year-old children isn’t enough of a handful for anyone, Mrs Higgins and her husband Pat Higgins’ home is made busier and louder with a chorus of non-human creatures meowing, hissing, bock-bocking and swishing around.
And as soon as Barney finds his voice, there might even be some barking among the cacophony.
“Barney is quite new to our family, so the cats are still getting used to him,” Mrs Higgins said.
Despite being no strangers to having pets — two cats named Mousey Dog and Teddy, a diamond python called Izzy, a bearded dragon named Sherman, four chickens, some fish and a yabby — Mr and Mrs Higgins’ kids Bronson and Stevie were thrilled to discover Mum and Dad were introducing a dog to the menagerie.
“The smile on the kids’ faces when we told them he was coming home with us was priceless,” Mrs Higgins said.
“We love to snuggle with him, play with him and teach him new tricks.”
The Tallygaroopna family welcomed the now 14-week-old puppy when he was 11 weeks old.
As they get to know him, they’re discovering Barney is a goofy and sleepy little guy, whose favourite things to do are chew and play, and are learning to keep their shoes out of his reach.
“Barney is very clumsy and loves to chew on shoelaces,” Mrs Higgins said.
The lovable little (for now) bulldog was born with two different-coloured eyes — one brown and one blue — adding to his striking good looks, along with his fawn merle coat.
In his short time with Mrs Higgins, he’s already become the unofficial mascot of the pet food store she manages in Shepparton.
“Stay tuned on The Pet Food Shop Shepparton Facebook page for all the funny Barney stories,” she said.
Mrs Higgins and her family have lots of training and puppy cuddles in store for their new addition.