Billie the jet black Labrador, 8, lives with Penny and her partner Jeremy in Melbourne’s inner south.
Having grown up with Labradors, it was a given that Penny would one day end up with her own. “Labs are clever, loyal, affectionate, sensitive and have excellent problem-solving skills.
Billie is a no-frills kind of girl who is always thinking about her next meal. She enjoys walks around Melbourne’s Yarra and hanging on the couch with her owners – oh, and eating!
Ryder founder and designer Penny Brown needs to keep her cupboards well stocked, with forever-famished Billie around!
Penny says it was love at first sight when she met Billie “in the most romantic of settings: McDonald’s. It was the halfway point for our breeder”.
If Billie was a person, what do you think she would be like?
She would probably eat at restaurants every night and would never ever need to take home a doggie bag. I think she’d also be really into playing tennis with her girlfriends.
What’s the craziest thing you have ever done for Billie?
We bought our jet black Billie glow-in-the-dark dog slippers after we kept losing her on dog walks at night. Needless to say they lasted less than half a lap around the park before they were kicked off.
Die-hard foodie Billie “once had her nose so far in a can of Pal, we had to take her to the vet to have it removed!” Penny laughs.
Is Billie pro or against dog clothing?
Against! She takes a less is more approach. She’ll only get a collar upgrade if I find something pretty special.
If Billie had access to your credit card what’s the first thing she’d buy?
Smashed avocado on toast with two poached eggs. Or an entire wheel of brie.
What’s your favourite spot to hang out with Billie?
Anywhere along the Yarra River where we can walk and talk.
“It’s amazingly comforting having a companion that loves unconditionally,” Penny says. “She is also a constant source of laughs.”
The last show Billie binge-watched on the couch with you?
She’s a pretty big Game of Thrones fan.
What do you love most about Billie?
When she gets excited, her whole body gets involved. So it’s best not to get her worked up in a confined space. We’ve lost three vases and a mirror this past year.
Where does Billie sleep?
On a big cushion just inside the balcony door. Or at the bottom of our bed, depending on storms or my neediness.
