Laura Byrne and Matty J’s ‘newest family member’ is ADORABLE
“They say that sometimes you don’t choose the pet, it chooses you.”
Pets play an important role in our lives by offering emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
They become adored members of our families, providing unconditional love and loyalty. Someone who knows all too well about the positive impact a fur-baby can have on our lives is podcaster and radio host, Laura Byrne.
Laura’s adopted dog, Buster, came into her life eight years ago and has taught her so much, including the importance of adopting a pet, rather than shopping for one.
“I have learned so much from Buster as a rescue. I just know how much love they have to give and how incredibly smart they can be. Buster is one of the smartest dogs I have ever had,” says Laura.
Now, Laura and her husband Matty J, who she met on The Bachelor in 2017, and their daughters, 4yo Marlie-Mae and 3yo Lola have adopted an adorable rescue kitten.
“They say that sometimes you don’t choose the pet, it chooses you,” says the Life Uncut podcaster. “And that was what it felt like when we found our little Raspberry.”
As an ambassador for National Pet Adoption Month, Laura is encouraging Australians to open their hearts to adopting or fostering a pet this March and beyond.
Laura Byrne is encouraging Aussies to adopt a pet
Why are you passionate about rescue animals and pet adoption?
I strongly believe that everyone should adopt. There are so many incredible animals out there who are desperate for a loving home. Designer dogs may have behavioural issues, and this seems to be overlooked and lumped onto rescue animals.
It is often the biggest reason that people give for not wanting a rescue – thinking that they might be dangerous or have anxiety, but pure bred animals are just as likely to have special needs. Rescue animals are incredible – it is the compassionate way to get a pet, and you just know that there is a deep appreciation from them for it.
What makes rescue pets so special?
There are so many reasons why rescue animals are truly incredible. For me, one of the most overlooked reasons is that as much as adopting an animal in need is in essence “rescuing them”, often animals save us too. I was in a really sad place in my life when I adopted Buster; I was fresh out of a bad break up, in a terrible headspace and felt really lonely.
I always say Buster was my rescue animal, because adopting him pulled me out of one of the toughest periods of my life. There is also a misconception that rescue animals are going to be harder – this idea that you ‘don’t know what you get’, but Buster is the sweetest, most gentle angel ever. He is a giant beautiful baby.
Buster is a Bull Arab cross an he went through some big scary stuff and lost a leg when he was a puppy, but it has not adversely affected him at all in terms of his temperament and personality. People often think that means that he needs special allowances or might be harder to take care of because her has three legs but he is just the same as every other dog. Buster loves his walks, loves chasing other dogs in the park – his disability has never slowed him down or has been challenging for him.
Can you tell us more about your adoption journey with Buster?
At the time when I adopted Buster, I was freshly single, and going through a tough spot in life, when I befriended my neighbour who, at the time, was Buster’s foster mum. She was temporarily minding him while a rescue organisation in Sydney was searching for his forever home. I quickly became really close friends with my neighbour, and would take Buster out for daily walks to help her out, and I completely fell in love with him.
I honestly couldn’t imagine him being with anyone else, but at the time I lived in a rental that didn’t allow for pets. A couple of months passed and I ended up adopting him and signing a lease on a pet friendly ground level unit with a yard, and myself and Buster’s foster mum moved in together. Buster was like this wonderful glue that brought people together – I had a new dog, and a new best friend too.
How does Buster get along with Marlie-Mae and Lola?
Buster’s relationship with our family is incredible. He has been with me since 2016 and has been by my side as our family has grown. First came Matt, and then our two daughters, and he is still the most gentle giant with them. People think because of his size he might be aggressive, but he is so soft.
He loves being surrounded by us and the girls; he is so tolerant of the kids – especially when they were little and would try to climb on him and ride him. He was my first child, and is still the baby of the house.
What does the bond between pets and people mean to you?
The bond between pets and people is all about their loyalty and their consistency. We have such an incredible connection with our pets, in the way that we do with our families and children (if you have children). One of my favourite parts of the day is Buster galloping down the hallway to greet me when I come home.
How can rescuing animals empower a better future for pets and people?
There are so many dogs that are treated horribly through puppy farming or breeding purposes. When there are so many beautiful animals out there who need homes, and need to be loved, adopting rescue animals is such an amazing way to bring a pet into your family.
Petstock Foundation is celebrating a milestone 10 years of National Pet Adoption Month, an initiative that helps find loving homes for pets in need of adoption. The Foundation has helped find loving homes for 40,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand, but there are still more animals in need of homes.
