PONSONBY PEOPLE + THEIR PETS
CHRIS AND KELLIE TAYLOR Chris and Kellie Taylor are the owners of local fashion business 'moochi', based on College Hill. They have eight stores and still make most of their clothes in Auckland. The couple and their children live on Clifton Road in a property that was called 'The Marble House', for the way it has been clad. “We try to walk our dogs most mornings after the two kids catch the bus to Kristin [school],” says Kellie. The family’s two miniature schnauzers are called Frank (3) and Bowie (2). They’ve had each of the dogs since they were seven weeks old - both found through Trade Me searches. Kellie confesses that they chose the breed for its grey marle-like colours! “If we were being honest, given that there are a few lovely family dogs... We thought they would look fab walking around our place! We also chose them for their size and because they don't shed.” Frank was named for three reasons: the breed is German and the Taylors felt Frank was a strong sounding German name (although not spelt as such). The house they live in is a unique property built mid last century, with details inspired by the architect Frank Lloyd Wright. “So that's two,” says Kellie, “and the third was that Frank Sinatra was a famous bloke from the same period... you see, all roads lead us to Frank!” Bowie narrowly escaped being named Steve by Kellie and Chris’ son Hudson. “We jumped on Bowie very quickly and needless to say, Hudson still holds this against us.” The family’s favourite thing to do with Frank and Bowie is to walk the beach at Campbell's Bay or Onetangi - nothing makes the dogs happier than a good beach walk. The dogs also love a good cuddle and they sleep most nights on the childrens’ beds.
The dogs enjoy chasing the neighbours’ cats. Both dogs are only fed dry food, and are ‘in good nick’. They do get treated to a dried pigs ear or a dried venison stick to spice it up a bit! Bowie is the scavenger of the pair. He is always out in the garden finding plants and muck to bring inside. He is quite taken by the figs falling off Chris and Kellie’s neighbour’s tree at the moment. A schnauzer grooming trick from the Taylors - use a good hair oil, to help with detangling. F PN
There are lots of mature cats at SPCA Auckland looking for great forever homes.
88 PONSONBY NEWS+ April 2014
PUBLISHED FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH (except January)