Name: Matilda Faye

Breed: Poodle mix

Age: 5 (this month!)

Hi, I’m Matilda Faye, a Poodle mix who is turning 5 this month. I may be small, but I’ve got a big story (and an even bigger personality).

My name has a special meaning. “Matilda” comes from Waltzing Matilda by Slim Dusty, Australia’s unofficial national anthem. My family is Australian, so it felt like the perfect fit. “Faye” means fairy, because as a puppy, I used to prance around like one. It also means loyalty, which my family says suits me just right.

How I joined the family? Well, my humans say it’s complicated, but all you need to know is that I ended up exactly where I belong.

I’ve got a few quirks that make me stand out. For one, I can jump really high—like, circus-level high. I also like to copy my brother, Bruno Eddie Purrkins, who happens to be a cat. He thinks he’s a dog, and I think I’m a cat, so it works out. My family finds it hilarious, but I take my role very seriously.

I’m also a seasoned traveler. Most dogs stick to car rides, but I’ve racked up frequent flyer miles! I’ve been to New York, the Hamptons, Seattle and its surroundings, Boston, and Chicago. I handle plane rides like a pro and love exploring new places with my humans.

What do they love most about me? My energy. I bring life into the house every single day, and I adore both people and other animals. I’m also a natural watchdog—always on alert and quick to sound the alarm when something’s not quite right.

If you ask how spoiled I am, the answer is simple: extremely. From treats and toys to all the love I could ever want, I live a very good life. I even used to share it with the world—once upon a time, I had a popular Instagram account with thousands of followers. These days we don’t post much, so my fame has faded, but I still think I’m a star.

At the end of the day, my family says I’ve enriched their lives by keeping them on their toes, making them laugh, and filling their home with love and joy. And really, isn’t that what being the favorite family pet is all about?

Thanks for letting me share my story. I’ll be over here packing my bags for the next trip!