Written and photographed by Megan Jardin
In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world was steeped in uncertainty and isolation, a little bundle of joy named Munchy found his forever home.
His journey began with an act of kindness: a family received assistance from Recycle for Animal Welfare to sterilise their pets, with the condition that these beloved animals would be entrusted to new, caring homes. That’s where the au pair I found stepped in, creating a path for Munchy to become a cherished member of our family.
On the 15th of September 2020, amidst the restrictions and challenges of the pandemic, we had the immense privilege of bringing Munchy home. From the very moment he entered our lives, it was clear he wasn’t just any dog – he was extraordinary.
Munchy’s Personality: A Spectrum of Traits
Munchy is a captivating mix of intelligence, love, and quirks that make him utterly unique. His personality is as colourful and vibrant as his wagging tail, and each day with him is filled with moments that warm our hearts and make us laugh out loud.
Intelligent Beyond Words
Munchy’s intelligence is nothing short of remarkable. He picks up on conversations, knows precisely where his toys are hidden, and can solve puzzles with ease. He’s also deeply intuitive, effortlessly reading emotions and observing the smallest details around him.
Protective by Nature
Despite his playful demeanour, Munchy has a protective streak that makes us feel safe. He has an acute sense of hearing and will bravely grab his favourite toy to “defend” us from any perceived threats – a comical yet endearing display of his courage.
Overflowing with Love
Munchy thrives on love and companionship. He detests being alone and demands constant attention. Whether it’s a belly rub, cuddles, or playful kisses, his affection is boundless. His expressive eyes make it easy to tell when he’s upset, and his tail wags with joy when he’s happy.
Loyal to the Core
Munchy is our shadow, never leaving our side. Whether we’re taking down the washing or relaxing on the couch, he’s right there, watching and waiting. His loyalty is unwavering, and his presence is a constant comfort.
Endearingly Stubborn
Munchy’s independent streak is as strong as his loyalty. He does what he wants, when he wants, often ignoring commands with an amusing defiance. His stubbornness only adds to his charm, making him all the more loveable.
Impeccably Clean
For a dog who loves the outdoors, Munchy is surprisingly fastidious. He keeps his paws spotless and only gets dirty during his playful escapades in the mud. Watching him clean himself is a delightful reminder of his meticulous nature.
Energetic Adventurer
Munchy’s zest for life is infectious. He loves running outside, chasing birds, and splashing in the pool. Although he’s a skilled swimmer, he only ventures into the water when invited – a mix of caution and playfulness that’s uniquely him.
A Moody Little Soul
Like any great personality, Munchy has his moods. Bad weather makes him grumpy, and he sulks when he doesn’t get his way. If left alone too long, he’ll ignore us entirely – his way of teaching us a lesson in loyalty.
A Soft Spot for Comfort
Blankets, pillows, jackets – if it’s soft, it belongs to Munchy. At bedtime, he insists on being tucked in, often dragging his beloved puppyhood pillow to the lounge for maximum comfort.
A Picky Eater with a Playful Twist
Mealtime with Munchy is an adventure. He often nibbles at us to prepare his food, only to turn his nose up at it once served. His antics keep us on our toes, but spoon-feeding him turns the experience into a sweet bonding moment.
Forever Playful
Munchy’s playful energy is endless. He loves bringing us his toys and initiating games of chase in the garden, hiding behind bushes to make us laugh. His joy is contagious, and his playful spirit brightens even the dullest days.
A Heart Full of Love
Munchy isn’t just a pet; he’s family. His larger-than-life personality has captured the hearts of everyone who meets him. He’s caring, loveable, and undeniably adorable – a dog who’s transformed our lives in ways we never imagined.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Munchy is a constant reminder of the simple joys of love, loyalty, and companionship. He is, and always will be, our precious Munchy – the dog who stole our hearts and made our house a home.
Last year, I decided to enter Munchy into a competition with StarPets, and to my delight, I received the incredible news that he’d been chosen as the “Most Magnificent Mutt”. It was such an exciting moment! Munchy won a fantastic prize – a DNA test from MuttMix valued at R1200-00.
Munchy’s MuttMix Results:
19% Maltese
17% Cardigan Welsh Corgi
16% Shih Tzu
16% Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund
16% Brussels Griffon
16% Havanese
I’ve always known that there’s something special about Munchy. He’s a delight to everyone who knows him. I picked up that he had a bit of Corgi in him but wasn’t sure of other breeds; my family and I really guessed on what breed he could be. I was so happy to get the opportunity to have the DNA test done and I’m over the moon to hear that he has five different breeds in him. He’s really one of a kind and so special.
