Dean & Fifi

MY DOG & ME: Dean Johnson and Fifi the Standard Poodle

In association with our good friends at DogHQ each month we meet Shore people whose four-legged family members add a great deal of joy to their lives. Our very own dog-lover Aidan Bennett (he has two doggies of his own he spoils – Olive a Cocker Spaniel and Maisie a French Bulldog) loves the task of putting this monthly feature together. This month he talks with Dean Johnson and his much-loved Standard Poodle, Fifi, who loves going to Dog HQ. Dean, Fifi and family actually live in Mt Eden but own North Shore based business Delish Cupcakes.

AIDAN BENNETT: How long has Fifi been part of your life?
DEAN JOHNSON:
She has been with us since she was around six months old and she is about to celebrate her eigth birthday.

AB: What made you decide to get a standard poodle?
DJ:
It was my Wife and Daughter who presented me with a "fait accompli" but what a great choice.

AB: Is she your first dog, if not tell us about your other dogs?
DJ:
Yes Fifi is our first dog. I have had cats all of my life but Fifi has won my heart that's for sure she is such a wonderful lovable dog.

AB: Do you have any other pets?
DJ:
We did have a beautiful Rag-doll who ruled the roost and kept Fifi in her place but sadly he took on a car and came off second best.

AB: What do you love about Fifi?
DJ:
Fifi has the most amazing nature, she is loved by all who meet her and she loves us all back, so friendly, maybe too much at times. Well behaved mostly.

AB: Does she have any bad habits?
DJ:
When she meets new people she will poke her nose into people's private areas and has no hesitation, mildy entertaining! Not always welcome!

AB: What are her favourite things to do?
DJ:
She has an old "Kong" that is her most favourite toy which she will chase for as long as you are happy to throw it.

AB: How long has she been going to DogHQ and does she love it?
DJ:
Fifi has been going to Dog HQ for a few years now, she absolutely loves it there, she knows we are on our way there and will sit up expectantly when we are a few blocks away, she knows where we are going! We live in Mt Eden but I have a business, Delish Cupcakes, which is located in Forrest Hill so when looking for help to look after her I googled dog care and have never looked anywhere else. We both just love Dog HQ and when I am crazy busy it's nice to know that she is being looked after and is happy there.

AB: Does she love the beach and swimming?
DJ:
She loves the beach and parks so she can run around but she does not like the water and we haven't encourages it as Poodles are a bit hard to dry.

AB: Any words of wisdom for other dog owners or prospective dog owners?
DJ:
I am no expert but we spent a lot of time socializing Fifi and with her personality it was easy, spending time with the other  dogs at Dog HQ also means she is relaxed around other dogs.

www.doghq.co.nz