Tenants with pets feel at home with landlord support

My name is Lou and live with my wife Karen in Launceston, Tasmania, where we’ve been renting the same house for 18 years. Life has had its ups and downs, especially when I faced some serious health issues. In early 2022, I had two strokes less than two months apart and spent some time in hospital.
With Karen busy working four days a week and my health issues, I felt I needed a canine companion in addition to our 15-year-old green-cheeked conure, Tiki, and Japanese fighting fish named Saffy. We asked our landlord for permission to get a dog too and he agreed.
It wasn’t long before I spotted Lola, a Huntaway (a New Zealand sheepdog) cross, on the Dogs’ Home of Tasmania website. We initially hesitated because she seemed too big but decided to see her anyway.
Lola had a rough start in life and had been in and out of the Home twice. When we met, she walked up to me and cuddled and licked me, earning the nickname "Licky Lola.” Then she went to Karen, who told her to ‘sit’ and she did. And that was it. We fell in love with Lola.
She was in the backseat of our car within an hour and a half, heading home with us! We knew she was born in February, so we made her birthday on the 14th – Valentine’s Day!
Despite her past, which left her with some fearful behaviors, Lola has adapted well. She occasionally gets scared when we raise our voices, but she's learned to feel safe with us. I even built a doggy door in our glass door for her. Lola's a bit cheeky but never strays from home. She's happy, healthy and smiles a lot. We love to spoil her!
Our home is on a hill overlooking the South Esk River and every day Karen takes Lola for a run at the park. When Karen leaves early for work, Lola snuggles next to me in bed and snores! Lola means everything to me; she’s like my best friend.
Lola also gets along with Tika, who has a 30-word vocabulary and loves giving kisses on her nose. Tika has a funny laugh and says ‘come here’, ‘are you ok’, ‘give me a kiss’ and ‘hello’.
Renting with pets has been a positive experience for us. Lola’s been magnificent, was digging a little bit in the yard, but we fixed it up. We built a fence and gate and treat the house like our own. Our landlord has been understanding and accommodating. He’s got dogs too and lives up the road from us.
I understand how challenging it can be to move house with pets. Karen and I moved five times in six years when we lived in Queensland. Having stable, pet friendly housing is crucial.
My advice to tenants is to be honest and open with your landlords about your pets. The more honest you are, the more owner friendly you’re going to be. For landlords, meeting the pets can alleviate concerns.
Lola has brought so much happiness into our lives, and we can't imagine our home without her. She truly is a special part of our family.