“UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, A PART OF ONE’S SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED. ”
Anatole France
These Wild Tails tell the stories of the deep bonds we have with our pets. They show the infinite love and celebrate the quirks, details and tenderness of our meaningful connections.
To chat about how we can make a photo story of you and your wild tailed friend, get in touch.
BESS, Andre & Fernanda
Did you grow up with a dog?
A: I grew up with guinea pigs, a giant rabbit and a desert mouse. I wanted a chicken, sheep and other unusual animals, but my mum didn’t think they’d be great for us as we lived in a flat.
F: We had a sausage dog at home plus two Yorkshire Terriers Lilli and Lolli. Sadly Lolli was stolen from the car, it was a traumatic event.
What was your relationship like with your pets?
A:With my favourite guinea pig, cuddly and affectionate, she was like a patient lady. My mouse was cheeky, I snuck him into my mum’s bed and made Super8mm films with him and my guinea pig inhabiting a little city.
F: My dog was my best friend. She slept in my room and came with us everywhere including the beach. She was even part of our first feature film. She never ate processed food and lived 19 years.
Why did you decide to adopt a Pug?
A: I had wanted a pig for two decades but never got one as we were traveling too much. A Pug is close to a pig and stays small unlike most pigs. We had worked too much and were burnt out and one night sitting in Mau Mau Bar I saw a Pug on a bar stool next to his owner, sipping water from a straw. It was an irrational choice, but that was it.
“Thank you for the wonderful photos, they are so full of character, detail and love. You are such a gentle witness. Only a person with great sensitivity, perception and talent can capture such special and essential details that most would miss. We are so happy with the photos!”
Andre & Fernanda - Notting Hill
What does Bess bring to your family?
A: Lots of laughter, tenderness, a childlike happiness. She’s been through many production edits and has a couple of exec producer and runner credits - she breaks the ice with a loud snore if there is tension in the room.
F: Joy, laughter, companionship, childlike energy. She connects us to the moment and gives meaning. We’d do anything for her. Sometimes I go for walks in my pyjamas in the middle of the night and sleep on the edge of the bed for her.
What have your learnt about yourselves from Bess?
A: To keep external validation and professional ambition in perspective. To stay in my heart and be in the moment. I’m more patient, loving and caring.
F: Don’t hold a grudge and enjoy the moment. I have learnt not to be egocentric and to be a mother. She radiates love and that imprints on us.
What would Bess say if she could speak?
A: “I’m hungry, where’s the Parmesan? I want attention, come and play. I want to snuggle. Pick me up. Don’t be sad. Don’t be stressed. Don’t you dare eat my rice bone”.
F: At 4am she would say “I want scrambled eggs please”.