Pet's details -
Name: Drake Valentine Fernandopulle (1)
Breed: Golden Retriever

Owners: Dil (dad), Ni (mum) and Deni (the big sister) Fernandopulle

What was the thinking behind naming Drake?

Drake – ‘Cos his Mommy loves hip hop music and the name sounds so gangster
Valentine – Because he was born on Valentine’s Day 2013.

What is his daily routine like?

Breakie begins with a splash of milk and a cup of dry food, then lots of daytime snoozes after plenty of cuddles from all members of his family.  His daily duties include guarding the house while his family is out whilst sleeping at the same time (so talented!), forbidding any bird or cat entering the backyard, sunbathing, watching nervously like an old grandfather as his sister rides her ‘trike’ up and down the side of the house. Drake goes for a walk with his Daddy in the evenings after his dinner and then snuggles up for a good nights sleep.

What is his favourite snack?

EVERYTHING!! But must be given sooner than later otherwise we would all drown in a pile of drool.

Does he have a particularly favourite place to sleep and hang out?

Anywhere where his family is! He just wants to be around people all the time. (I’m sure if you try to tell him he is not human he will be in utter denial!!)

Does handsome Drake like to dress up and take selfies?

Absolutely! For his first Halloween last year we dressed him as “Drake-ula” and his big sister went as Bat Girl. His mommy loves taking photos of him all the time, especially to capture all the memories as he grows up with his big sister Deni (who is two years older than him). They do everything together.

Have you always been a pet lover?

I’ve always been a dog lover from the time I can remember. My dream was to have a Golden Retriever one day, so Drake is my dream dog.

Who was your first pet?

Blinky – She was a Pomeranian cross Japanese Spitz.  We got her when I was fourteen and she lived for 16 long years.

What is it like having a pet?

Like having another member in your family, they will always hold a special place in your heart.

What is bathtime like for Drake?

Drake gets a pro-groomer who washes, shampoos and ferminates him. He looks ever so handsome and smells wonderful after. He doesn’t mind baths but he is dead scared of the dryer!

How does he react when you head and when you get back home? And what is it like for you?

We all work and go to school during weekdays so Drake is our little house guard when we are out. He is obviously sad when we leave but always gets a pep talk from his three year old sister “I’ll be back in the evening ok? Be a good boy ok, I love you darliiiingggg...!!” This is followed by a hug and a kiss. He watches out the window as we wave and drive past our house. My heart breaks a little every morning.
I’m usually the last one to arrive home in the evenings. He greets me at the door like he is seeing me after years, any worries I have over the day instantly melts and I feel like the richest person in the world.

Could you imagine life without your pet?

We have talked about it… We know that dogs do not live forever, we have decided what matters more than contemplating on what life would be like without him, is to enjoy every moment that we have while he is around. We plan to make every single day count and celebrate every milestone.

What is the most precious moment you share with your handsome Drake?

Every moment is precious, especially when we are together as a family, just the four of us cuddling together on the couch, nothing else matters more…

By Natasha Fernandopulle