YOU +
DOGS
Because you are
stronger together.
with Vala & Floki
This is Nicole’s story.
Journeying from the serene green pastures of Northern Ireland to the southern reaches of the Earth for what was a short term stay, Nicole is now embracing her new life here in Australia pursuing her dreams, personal aspirations and even starting her very own small business in the dog treat industry alongside her two cherished dogs, Vala and Floki.
Having moved to Australia at the end of 2019, the Covid Lockdown loomed like an impending storm welcoming her arrival.
The silver lining was when Vala (Kelpie) came into her life with toys and an attitude after lockdowns eased within CBD Melbourne in 2021. She knew from the moment she met the tiny sass queen that she was the puppy she wanted to share her life with. Nicole mentioned that Vala felt like a mirror, sensitive to her mood and reading her emotions like an open book.
“Vala is like a mini me. Maybe it’s a girl thing ahah!” - Nicole
Vala was the reason she and her partner started the day each morning. The responsibilities of raising her was the motivation they needed after the impact social isolation had on during the pandemic. A motivation many of us had and needed as well moving forward.
“I saw this little ginger ball of fluff and said: Yep. That’s my boy.” - Nicole
Floki (Cattle Dog) was found on Pet Rescue’s website a year later when Nic felt she was ready for a second dog. Despite searching for another Kelpie.. one look at Floki’s profile was all it took to change her plans. While not much is known about his background, it was noted that he came from a working dog breeder and was only given up by his previous owner for being too boisterous at 14 weeks old.
While unsure of hurricane gingerpuff Floki’s energy at first glance, Vala and Floki became fast friends. Zooming around and playing during their first meet and greet. Nic knew he would be the perfect little cheeky brother for her sweet girl and the right fit for their family.
Nicole always felt that Vala was her heart dog. The dog that she could find peace and comfort with and in contrast, Floki was the challenge that tested her patience and determination. Being used to the calculative and detailed approach to life Vala has, mirroring her own straight forward personality.. Floki’s whirlwind of motions was the complete opposite, and in turn felt that bonding with him was a struggle during the initial few months.
There were moments where it just felt too much too hard, and while Nicole understands that he will always be the dog that he is..with time she’s learned to better understand his particular sensitivities and how to work alongside him not against him.
Nicole believes after reflecting on the journey they’ve had together, she’s got a lot to thank Floki for. Because of his needs, he’s taught her what true patience was, a different outlook to dogs and their behaviours and while being pushed to advocate for her dogs and their boundaries, to also stand up for herself and her own decisions in life as well.
Without the learning experiences she has with Floki, she felt that she would not have been pushed to improve her dog handling skills and would have struggled to care for some of the foster dogs she have had thus far.
