Children of the 90s would know Dr Katrina Warren as a presenter on Totally Wild, the children’s animal and wildlife television show. From there, the celebrity veterinarian went on to dispense pet care advice as co-host of Harry’s Practice – and was regularly joined on air by Toby, her beloved border collie.
The final episode of Harry’s Practice aired in 2003, but Warren is still devoted to advocating responsible pet ownership on screens, online and in at pet expos and events.
And while Toby “The Wonder Dog” died in 2010, Warren has a suitcase filled with his toys and other mementoes. Here, the Sydneysider tells us why she’ll never part with that priceless reminder, and shares the stories behind two other important belongings.
What I’d save in a fire
Toby’s little travel suitcase. It holds a treasure trove of memories, each a testament to my incredible journey with my beloved border collie. Our bond was so close and his passing took a little piece of my heart with him.
Toby was raised in front of television cameras. I chose him in 1996 on a segment for Totally Wild. He became my faithful companion on Harry’s Practice, a dream job that took us across the country, meeting animal lovers from all walks of life.
His tiny suitcase accompanied us throughout those 14 memorable years, carrying his favourite toys, treats and any props we needed for a particular shoot. It became worn and tattered, but I could never bring myself to throw it out – it contains his cherished toy, his Channel 7 security pass, his little tuxedo he used to wear at events and a copy of our Wonderdog book from 2000.
My most useful object
My pet hair battle is real! My border collie Chilli has started shedding his winter coat, which means daily encounters with wafting fur tumbleweeds in my home, hair clinging to my car’s interior and on clothes untouched by him. It’s a perpetual mystery how it gets there!
Enter my saviour – the slicker brush. This grooming tool is typically used on medium- to long-haired dogs to remove loose hair from the undercoat and brush out knots and tangles. It never ceases to amaze me how much hair the brush extracts, yet Chilli still maintains a full coat! The more hair in the brush, the less it finds its way into every nook and cranny of my life.
To all fellow pet owners facing the shedding season, I raise my slicker brush high and wish you the best of luck.
The item I most regret losing
When I moved house several years ago, my Olympic torch went missing, and I only realised it a few weeks later. I assume it was stolen somewhere along the way.
I was blessed to work with Channel Seven in 2000 on Harry’s Practice and they televised the Olympic Games. All their on-air talent had the opportunity to run a leg with the torch.
It was an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forget. The streets were alive with cheering crowds and the energy was palpable as the torch travelled across Australia.
My torch reminded me of an extraordinary period in my life and the unity and joy that the Olympics brought to Sydney. The city was alive and the atmosphere was electric; the weather was terrific and our beautiful harbour was sparkling.
I sometimes wonder who has my torch. I can only hope they cared for it and kept its spirit alive.
Dr Katrina Warren will be appearing at the Cat Lovers festival and Dog Lovers festival in Sydney on 26 and 27 August.
