From washing cars to making coffee to working in the advertising and sales industry, Kris Fade had no idea of what lay ahead will turn his life around. Originally from Australia, Kris Fade, became a well-known name in the radio and entertainment industry after winning awards in his home country. Kris then moved to Dubai to begin a new journey with Virgin Radio Dubai and his show, The Kris Fade Show soon won the hearts of people across the UAE. It wasn’t just fame that came his way in the six years he has spent in Dubai, his pet friend, Boots, a French Bulldog successfully charmed Kris and became a part of his family.
How has your journey with Virgin Radio Dubai been so far?
Absolutely amazing. I am so blessed to have been able to have amazing experiences while working with Virgin Radio. The love and appreciation I get is unbelievable.
Tell us a bit about your family.
We have got a busy house. I will start from the bottom. My 2-year-old daughter Arianni, she is absolutely beautiful. All she does is hunt for food. My 4-year-old Zahra is the little princess of the house, she is also known as Rapunzel. My wife Maz is the boss of the house and actually the boss of everything. She is a fitness instructor, mum and wife.
How and when did you meet Boots?
I found a breeder in Denmark through a mutual friend and received Boots when he was 3 months old.
Did Boots develop an instant bond with you and your family or it took a while for him to adjust?
He instantly became our Boots! If he had it his way, he would like to have affection all the time. Plus, like my 2-years-old Arianni, he also hunts for food.
How old is Boots and has he had any health issues so far?
Boots is nearly 4. Touchwood. He has had a pretty healthy life so far. His nasal passages get blocked sometimes but that’s fairly common with French Bulldogs.
Who is Boots closest to in the family?
Whoever has food!
What diet plan does Boots follow? Are there any do’s and don’ts in his eating habits?
He is on regular canned food that I buy from Carrefour. On the odd occasion, he will have soft leftovers.
French Bulldogs are known for their tendency to be sporty and lively. Does Boots like to play a lot too?
He is very active. I make sure I take him for a walk once a day. Thankfully we have a large garden so he gets to roam around.
How is Boots around your daughters and other kids?
He is amazing with my daughters and their friends. Sometimes I see how rough my 2-years-old can get with Boots and he doesn’t react.
Have you taught Boots to do some tricks?
From what I understand, French Bulldogs are hard to train. I am happy if he just sits when I ask him to!
How is Boots around guests and strangers? Is he difficult to discipline?
He usually gets pretty excited when guests first arrive so I let him run around. Then eventually I have to discipline him to settle down.
Because of their Bull and Terrier roots, some French Bulldogs can be prone to aggression towards others of their kind, particularly males. How true is that with Boots?
He doesn’t really interact with other dogs. Occasionally on the walk he will come across other dogs, but he stays pretty cool.
French Bulldogs were considered a luxury back in the days. An unfortunate French Bulldog was a passenger on the Titanic. It is said that the dog was insured for $750, an enormous amount at that time! Does Boots show any traits of royalty like his ancestors?
I have got one beautiful leather couch in my house. It’s the only thing I don’t want Boots to go on. But every morning when I leave for work at 4:45am, I see Boots snoring away on the couch. He knows he is not allowed to be there, because if he sees me, he quickly gets off!
Have you always had pets? If yes, which pet friend did you spend your childhood with?
Yes. I love animals! I grew up with dogs, cats, birds, and lizards. I currently also have a corn snake named Vinny. I never know who is more afraid of each other, Boots or Vinny!
Do you see Dubai as a pet-friendly city? Are there enough places for Boots to do things he likes?
Yeah I think it’s a great pet friendly city. We have so many green parks around our area and to think that they were all just once sand. The only thing I have to look out for is the heat. We make sure he stays cool in the summer months.
Describe Boots in 5 words.
Amazing, hungry, affectionate, healthy and strong.
Printed in Petigree Magazine Feb / March 2014 issue