When H&M opened a few weeks ago in Melbourne, I didn’t give a shit.
Sure, I ran into H&M in London in 2003 and dropped a small fortune on t-shirts with meaningless logos and ugly wide leg brown hipster pants but it’s 2014 now.
Slightly on-trend basics aren’t exactly hard to come by in Australia, so it’s unlikely you’ll see me there until everyone else gets bored with it and I don’t have to fight teenagers to look at clothes that areΒ identicalΒ to what’s on offer in Sportsgirl.
The shop I’m most excited about opening in Australia is Muji.Β
It’s a Japanese store that sells minimalist basics that are 100% un-branded.
They have stationary, storage, beauty supplies, clothing, underwear, cookware, bedding andΒ furniture. Everything is cleverly and simply designed and they have a really sensible palette of black, cream and grey.
It’s love I tell you.
I’ve never felt this way about a shop before. The Muji store opened in Melbourne central’s Emporium about 2 weeks ago and I think I’ve been there every 3 days since. Yesterday I went there to buy cotton make up remover wipes.
I think I need an intervention.
* Dress from Muji in New York * Tights from Big W * Boots from Frye * Pashmina from Thailand * Sunglasses from Randolph *
This outfit was worn for a day of writing, a few meetings, an afternoon stroll to get a chai and then I dragged myself out of the house for a Pho dinner and going away drinks for a few mates of mine.
Mr Smaggle and I also met the dog of our dreams yesterday – a giant Groodle called Aubrey. We got the name of his breeder and after two solid years of being dog-less creeps at our local puppy park we’ve ALMOST made the decision to get a dog. We’re ready to be parents to a fur baby.
Do you have a dog? Would you say it was a good or a bad decision to get one? Be honest now.
45 Comments
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We weren’t ready for a dog but adore them so we became volunteer dog walkers at the local shelter, one Sunday an abandoned litter of staffy x Labradors came in and 20 mins later Jett the Staffador was in my arms and was adopted. He was a total nightmare puppy, destroyed everything, wouldn’t train easily, a horror to take to the dog park, but in a moment of potential craziness we adopted a second rescue pup, Mia, and it was love at first site for Jett. They are inseparable and so beautiful together, still a little naughty but the joy they bring is worth every 2am toilet wakeup, every sneaky poop we find behind the couch, and every pair of eaten shoes! They are full of personality and are the favourite part of every day for us. I think every home needs a doggy. If you can, check out your local shelter, you never know, your perfect pup could be there waiting to be adopted.
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Oh what a lovely story! That’s what we keep hearing. We subscribe to a few rescue sights in Melbourne and I’m constantly sending Mr Smaggle pictures of dogs that need homes. My mate has a rescue dog and it’s just the best thing ever. That’s what everyone keeps saying – that it’s hard work but totally worth it. We also work from home so it’s perfect for us.
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Muji is in Australia!!! How could I have missed this. Thanks for the info.
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I know! How great is it? There’s one in Chadstone and one in the city. I don’t ever need to shop any where else again.
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My two are rescue dogs – and I’m pretty sure that getting them was the best thing Adam and i did since getting married! They’re a constant source of humour, cuddles and love. And you can squish them as much as you like without them complaining!
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Ha! Love that you’ve obviously squished someone too much that they’ve complained! I didn’t know yours are rescue dogs, you got them at the same time yeah?
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Yup – they were waiting at a shelter to be rehomed together, and we were the first to agree to take both. They whine if they’re separated…
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I am IN LOVE with that place! I keep describing it as the magical place where Country Road, ikea and Daiso all had a baby. Those puffer jackets are like a cloud. I haven’t bought one but I’ve been in there just to touch them regularly!
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How amazing is it? I bought some of their underwear on the weekend. Holy softness Batman they’re amazing.
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PLEASE get a rescue dog!
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We’ve been trawling the rescue sites for about 2 years now. We’ve come so close so many times. We just need to take the plunge!
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Muji sounds awesome! I love that stripe dress on you, super fab.
OK, down to the serious business of puppy dogs. Getting a puppy was wayyyy more work than we thought it would be – they are naughty, sneaky, poopy and pissy but MY GOODNESS they are little bundles of fluffy joy!
After our cat passed away, we were pet-less for about 2 months before deciding to get a puppy. Once Amalfi came into our lives we realised just how quiet the house was and just how much we love having a pet.
It’s well worth investing the time in puppy school and being consistent is key, but so is having fun with them and loving them. He’s also brilliant for getting us out of the house and going for walks and to the dog park and he brings smiles to people’s faces as they stop to have a pat.
I’d highly recommend getting a dog but make sure you’re ready for it. And hide any shoes that you don’t want chewed!-
I think we’re going to be okay. The puppu phase seems pretty intense but once that’s over it just seems like the greatest thing ever. We also both work from home and we walk every where so I just think it makes sense. We’re tossing up between rescue dog and getting a groodle from a reputible breeder. Did you get Amalfi from a breeder?
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Yes definitely, after the 6 month mark we noticed Amalfi mellowed right out and has been getting better and better. He’s now 10 months old and it’s pretty obvious we are smitten.
He’s a purebred Shetland Sheepdog from a breeder here in SA. I know some people are anti that, but we did try to find a dog from a shelter in the past but couldn’t find the right one for us (and I would bawl when we left the animal shelter, so Chris was starting to worry about my mental health…!)
We chose that breed because of the size and their personality. They are intelligent, easy to train and very sociable. Plus they are just so stinkin cute!-
I’m anti-puppy farm and anti-pet shop but certainly not anti-breeder. We’re really torn, we’d love to have a rescue but often rescue dogs are quite big breeds like border collies and that’s just not the breed for us. We really want a mini groodle and we’ve done all the research. We saw a groodle recently but he got snapped up straight away. We even follow a groodle rescue site but they don’t come up that often. We’re still deciding. Amalfi is ADORABLE! I love his little face popping up on your insta feed!
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groodles are still cross breeds, with the problems of both golden retrievers and poodles. The one positive I can find is that at least both of them are retrieving dogs, unlike all the poor cavalier cross poodles. And you’ve still got a 50% chance the dog will shed…. Firm believer in getting the breed that is right for you, going through a registered breeder/breed club, talking to people at dog shows (or just plan stalking them on their daily walks), ask questions, putting your names down for just the right one and waiting. Seriously, a pure bred is often cheaper than the designer breeds, plus you should have the backing of the breeder. There are no standards for the designer breeds, no health records, etc.
Which isn’t to say that there aren’t gorgeous cross breeds and rescues, all of whom deserve a good home (ALL animals deserve good homes!). But there’s no way I’m supporting someone who is breeding dogs for money, as opposed to love for the breed.Off my soapbox….
If you’re after a miniature or small dog, consider activity levels (a terrier might be a good choice) and how much you’ll be with them (cavaliers like to be with their people as much as possible – and really are an inside breed)
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It’s definitely worth it! I love Boo soooo much! He has been my best bud for years now and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think a lot of people think that they’re going to get a dog and it’s going to act like’a dog’ but they’re all so different… They have personalities all of their own and that’s a gorgeous thing. Boo is the silliest, old man who is half deaf, quite blind and completely unwilling to be left alone – but that’s him. He’s also great with kids, gets me out and walking everyday – often twice, and he has loved me when I thought I was pretty unlovable. They really are like best friends – they have their good and their bad but you love them all of it. Now my main problem is getting some cuddle time in since I’ve been with my BF – those two are inseperable. BF loves him to death – it really feels like a family. So yes, yes, yes – do it! And – we can have dog friendly meet ups π
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That’s kind of the plan to have a dog that we can take everywhere with us. I’m a bit worried actually about coming second to the dog… Ben loses his SHIT around dogs. The other he was telling about when we get our dog he’s going to go for rides in his (two seater car) in the country with the dog. I was like ‘Where is the dog going to sit? The car only has two seats?’ and he said ‘In your seat. You aren’t invited. Sometimes a man needs to be alone with his dog.’ Maybe this is a mistake. π
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Wow this place is right near my work – I need to get here more often…I feel another addiction coming on though!!
So now to to the dog – my partner and I are going through a similar thing and have been out to a couple of rescue centres but not yet found the perfect one for our forever home. One thing you can do if you know what you want, is alert them that you are looking for that particular breed and they will contact you when they come in. I’m definitely on your page when it comes to the breeders v rescue centre. I think with a breeder you know exactly what you’re going to get, whereas often with a rescue dog you won’t really know – but sometimes that makes it all the more wonderful!!! There are so many abandoned unwanted puppies that need a new home and, really, it would be good if we could take them all home and have a big property and look after them all!! π
I know someone who can help you with puppy training too π
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Oh excellent! I’d love that! We’re on a groodle rescue database so we’re alerted to when they get groodles in. They get snapped up so quickly though! I’d love to take on a rescue but lots of rescue dogs are ex-worker dogs and we just don’t have the space for them. We’re seriously considering fostering dogs though!
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When the time is right, the puppy will come….
The only time I’ve been without a dog is when I was living on campus. Life without at least one dog is not complete for this little black duck. I’ve had rescues, rehomes, purebreds. My preference is for big (always has been) and lazy, as I’ve now got CFS and that limits how much exercise I can give them. Fortunately, we’ve a big backyard, and they have a wonderful time hurtling around off their own bat. So we’ve currently got a bull terrier (Best Beloved’s dog), a bullmastiff (joint – love me the Molossan types! and Molly is such a soft darling), and I’m on a waiting list for my next Irish Wolfhound. My last one died almost a year ago and it still breaks my heart.
Caveats – a dog is for life. You are responsible for feeding, cleaning up after them (both ends and any destructo tendencies), socialising, amusing and keeping them healthy. This includes grooming and vet visits. They are part of the family and should (in my very unhumble opinion) be with you as much as possible. Maybe not sleeping on the bed though. A crate is an incredibly useful bit of kit to have – it’s not for punishment, it gives them a cave they can safely retreat to, and which you can shut them in for visiting children/tradesmen, or the bit of cleaning which they interfere with (eg vacuuming, should you feel so inclined). Our bull terrier adores his crate and spends a lot of time sleeping in it, belly up or nose buried. Molly has graduated past needing/wanting a crate, which is good, because giant crates take up a heck of a lot of space in a small kitchen. She does have her own daybed.
Everything tastes better with dog hair.
Bottom line – do your research, decide which breeds will fit best in your life and home, be patient and remember – it’s as easy to love a healthy dog as it is to love one with health/temperament issues. Not everyone is a dog person, and that’s fine. But if you are, and you find the breed that holds your heart, your life is immeasurably enriched. Can keep dribbling on for hours, so if you want to take this to email, more than happy to continue!-
Irish wolfhound??? You DO like them big! I have a mate who says that a dog that can’t save you from drowning is not worth having. Mr Smaggle is so keen to train a puppy, he’s already looked into local puppy schools. We will not have a badly behaved dog. Your dogs in crates sound like the cutest thing in the WORLD! I would never have considered my self a dog person but I’ve recently become so dog clucky! We stop and talk to all the dogs in our suburb. And Mr Smaggle has never ever had a pet. Not even a fish. He’s the main reason we’re getting a dog.
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Given that neither the wolfhounds nor myself believe in getting our tummies wet, I think we can tick that point off! I don’t think anyone else has raised it, but have you considered getting an adult? (heh, no house training required!). Some breeders have dogs that are retired from showing or never wanted to breed, and they just want them to have good homes. And older dogs tend to be the hardest ones to rehome from the shelters. Puppies are cute and all, but the geriatric delinquents are a delight!
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Please note the central heating, conveniently located right next to said crate
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We’ve got two retired Greyhounds from The Greyhound Safety Net. Best decision we ever made! I’ll feel proud forever for giving them an awesome life. Perfect inner city dwelling dogs. Chic, lazy, loving, funny, short haired, just the absolute best breed of dog. If you’ve never thought about them before please check them out!
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I actually really love greyhounds but they stress Mr Smaggle out because they look so worried all the time. The teeny tiny italian greyhounds crack me up. They look like aliens! Greyhounds are beautiful though. I live in Fitzroy and there’s lots of families that have them, they seem like wonderful pets.
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Yep, fifty mile an hour couch potatoes π
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I’m sorry to be the bummer here, and Smaggle, I deliriously love your blog – but your decision to “shop” for a dog, rather than “adopt” is leaving an awful taste in my mouth. 70,000 healthy, loving, dogs are euthanised in Australian shelters and pounds each year. Why on Earth would you choose to give your money to an industry that perpetuates the hyper-consumption of living, breathing, sentient creatures, rather than offer a home to an animal whose life – literally – depends on your decision? I implore you to read a little more into the effects of buying a dog – even from a ‘registered’ breeder. Those words mean nothing to the lovely dogs on http://www.petrescue.com.au/ who will see no tomorrows.
Here is an investigation into one of the most reputable dog breeders in Victoria (who recently pled guilty to multiple charges of animal cruelty in court): http://animalsaustralia.org/take_action/calstead-collie-cruelty
And here is a broader explanation of the entire problem: http://animalsaustralia.org/puppies
Smaggle. You’re smart. If you are intent on buying a “first hand dog” ask yourself this: would you try to defend your decision to the shelter worker who held the dog’s paw as the vet stuck the kill needle in her vein, simply because there weren’t enough homes? Would you look that person in the eye and tell them you were happy to hand over cash that ensures they must continue watching dog, after dog, die? Would you?
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Hi Jan,
We’re considering a rescue dog or a dog from a breeder – if you read further down in the comments I’ve mentioned that we follow all the pet rescue sites and are on a Groodle rescue database. We’ve done all the research and have shortlisted a few breeds that work for our lifestyle, particularly ‘oodles’. We need to be sensible about making a commitment that could be for more than 20 years. I would never buy a dog from a pet shop or puppy farm. We’ve been searching for 2 years for the right dog for us and it’s not a decision we are making lightly at all.
Rescue dogs are absolutely on our radar (ask any of my Facebook friends – my partner and I send rescue dog photos to each other every day) but it needs to be the right dog for us. I’m not going to adopt a rescue dog for the sake of adopting a rescue dog. It has to be ‘our’ dog.
I totally understand where your coming from and rest assured I’m not some chump who’d walk into a pet shop and buy a puppy. No way! π
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The other side of the coin – do you want to be the breeder who puts down a litter of really good healthy pups because no one wants them, despite their quality, careful planning and great condition, they’re all going for designer dogs and haven’t bothered to do their research? True story, but no, I’m not going to name names.
The blunt truth is there aren’t enough good homes for all the animals – both planned and unplanned breedings, cats, dogs, chickens, rats, horses, turtles, fish, etc. For all the people who want their bitch to have “just one litter because…(add reason)”, I would really like to wring their necks. There needs to be a heck of a lot more education, a lot more funded desexing and a proper crackdown/banning on puppy farmers. I have supported rescue organisations, and continue to do so, but I have also bought my dogs from responsible breeders. Defining a responsible breeder is a whole different issue but basically – they will take back any dog of their breeding for whatever reason, they will support you and answer all your questions to the best of their ability, and refer you on when they don’t have the answers. They do all the required testing, ensure their pups are microchipped and registered and that you are the right person to take that particular puppy. Generally they are also members of their breed club, of the state kennel club, and they’re interested in more than just your money – which doesn’t even begin to cover the costs of breeding and raising a litter.
Yes, it’s an emotive topic, but in my opinion, guilt tripping anyone about their choice of rescue vs purebred (or where their clothes come from, if they’re vegan or meat eaters) is not on.-
Thank you so much for that info, we’ve done heaps of research but there’s a lot of stuff about breeders that we don’t know about. Do you have info about organisations that can help you identify ethical breeders? I’d obvioulsy avoid pet stores or puppy farms but can you tell a good breeder just by visiting them? I’d like to think I can tell but then you never know!
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Do you want a short version here, or an extremely long email? ????
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You could call your dog “Muji”! π I love dachshunds – always have. We have a tan and black who is stubborn, bossy, mischievous and adorable. A couple of years ago we became involved with one of our local animal rescue organisations. The plan was to foster dogs until they find their forever home. We are now the permanent foster carers of the very first dog they gave us – so much for the plan of helping loads of dogs back to a safe loving home! Darcy is old, deaf, going blind, has Cushings disease and suffers severe separation anxiety (like if you go into another room type of anxiety) but we love him to bits. He has been so badly treated in his life that it breaks my heart. So he will stay with us until he goes to doggy heaven.
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My mates in Canberra have a dachshund a little mini one called Norton and he is certainly all those things you described. He’s also, truth be told, a bit of an asshole. We don’t get along. We fight over his mum. It’s awkward. My friend in Sydney did that. They fostered 1 dog, kept him then fostered another and kept him and then they had to cut her off. They’re both gorgeous and have brought them so much joy.
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Ooh I remember shopping at Muji when I was in Japan! I haven’t ventured to the emporium yet because I’m too scared to go on weekends – crowds aren’t my thing!
If you get a puppy and need a dog-sitter that lives nearby I reckon I might know someone that would be happy to help out *hint hint*-
The crowds are horrifying. If you have an afternoon off at some point go during the week it’s super quiet! I’d LOVE to have a babysitter down the road! My bestie just moved in opposite the Grace Darling so she has first dibs but you’re definitely next on the list! How have we never bumped in to each other???
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I think I shall have to take an arvo off and do just that!
I know, it’s pretty insane really. We must just keep missing each other at places! Maybe we should just PLAN a wine or something!-
Oh why not! Let’s do that! Email me! x
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Haven’t heard of Muji before but it sounds interesting.
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Oh it’s SO AWESOME! You’d love it. They have heaps of organisation stuff. It’s the best.
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Muji sounds wonderful! And looks it if your dress is anything to go by. I love the look of a black tight, black shoe/boot combo. So sleek. Is the Emporium the thing they were building back in 2012, behind DJS and Myer? I’ve been wondering if they’ve finished that. Kinda bummed I didn’t get to see it.
As a non-dog owner, I vote yes for the dog for selfish reasons that I’d get to see a dog in your instagram photos : P
P.S. Your hair is looking ON point! in that photo. -
I think I’m going to have to check out Muji next time in Melbourne!!
YES! Get a dog! DO EEET! Groodles are very adorable! I’m a dog person & I’m missing having a dog so much. I’ve always had one for as long as I remember, and the last 6 months being dogless has been rather strange. They really are amazing creatures. My parents have 2 cavalier king charles, and my boyfriend and I will hopefully be adding an anatolian shepherd into the family in the future.
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I adopted my Janey from the RSPCA last December and it was the best decision my husband and I made. It’s not easy, our patience have been sorely tested but at the end of the day, when her warm brown eyes look at you after she’s destroyed your shoes, you’ll wonder how you lived your life without her. That’s how I feel anyway. π
PS: MUJI is dangerous. Dangerous! Goodness knows how many plasticky things I bought (*ahem* acrylic storage) in the span of just one month.
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echoing those that are recommending more research and consideration of a rescue dog – ‘groodles’ aren’t a registered/real breed. I would be hesitant to say you can find a responsible and ethical breeder of a Golden Retriever X Poodle as they are mostly puppy farms. A good test is to try and show up unannouced at their property as then they don’t have time to hide their hoardes of animals… and of course a google search.
Remember you don’t have to rescue directly from a pound you can work with a foster group and that way you will know a little bit more about the personality of the dog.
I love the careful consideration you guys are putting into expanding your family. I’ve got an 11.5 year old dog and my fiance has a (just turned) 7 year old, they are the best things in our lives and bring us so much joy.
Hopefully you are able to find a dog that suits your lifestyle and will be happy with the attention you can give it… also being a dog groomer, don’t forget the cost of dog grooming should they need to be clipped. All the best
