I (Robbie Taylor) was an Australian zoologist and environmental scientist, in my young days. In retirement I got together with Matt, an Australian artist, to create these beautiful images for Families. My favourite childhood Pet was “Bluey” our Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler). When I left home, I learned the love and personality of cats - “Jake” “Ivan” and “Metro”
My absolute favourite pet was “Spike”. He was an Australian Cockatiel and his wife's name was “Ruby” (after my great grandmother). I Bought him from a bird shop when he was such a little tiny boy. His baby feathers were still on him and little bits of porridge still stuck on the sides of his mouth. I talked to him, thinking I could teach him some words. I taught him to whistle “Pop Goes the Weasel”. To my surprise ,over the weeks and months that we kept Spike indoors. He learnt so many songs, he learned how to sing the telephone. He learned how to Twitter, like the birds outside. But most of exciting of all. And so unexpected, because I thought Pop Goes the Weasel was going to be difficult enough, but no Spike was a musical genius. He actually learned how to whistle an entire album of Mozart Violin Concertos!!! So, he was just the cutest bird ever.
