Pippa & Jill: A Look into Their Cozy (and Chaotic) Dog Life
Welcome to the world of Pippa, an active half-German Shepherd, half-Border Collie, and her human, Jill, a creative dog mom with a love for ceramics. Together, they live in Belgium with a lively pack of six other dogs: five cheeky Dachshunds and Gracie, a rescued street dog. In this Pooches & Their Pals edition, we peek into their extraordinary daily life. Discover how Pippa leads her pack, how Jill integrates sustainability into her lifestyle, and what Pawness means to them.
Pippa is half-German Shepherd and half-Border Collie. Does she feel more like a Shepherd or a Collie?
Appearance-wise, Pippa strongly resembles her German Shepherd dad, except for her “white socks.” Those subtle white accents in her fur come from her Border Collie mom. The result? A stunning blend of strength and elegance.
Her personality, however, leans more toward the Border Collie side. Pippa is bursting with energy and is constantly on the move. “We walk a lot,” says Jill, “and when the Belgian weather allows it, she swims laps chasing her tennis ball daily. During walks, she’ll happily run and play endlessly. Sometimes up to a thousand times chasing that ball.” Her enthusiasm is boundless, and Jill occasionally has to step in. “We have to decide for her when it’s enough because she won’t stop on her own.”
Pippa is not just energetic and driven; she’s also incredibly intelligent and sensitive. “If I raise my voice even slightly, she immediately thinks it’s directed at her. She can look so hurt, even when it’s not about her at all,” Jill explains. “But at the same time, she’s so affectionate and loving. She has the gentlest heart and brings so much warmth. She’s truly a treasure.”
Pippa lives with six other dogs. How do you keep it harmonious? Or is it sometimes chaotic?
“Chaos? Absolutely!” laughs Jill. “It’s just part of daily life here, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way. Our pack is amazing; they bring so much joy and are a fantastic, happy bunch. We feel fortunate with our seven furry faces.”
Each dog gets two outings daily, and Jill organises the walks in shifts. “That way, everyone can walk at their own pace and enjoy sniffing around on a long leash. But the challenge starts before we even get out the door! Once the collars come out, getting the first two dogs outside is a real puzzle without the other five sneaking along. Patience isn’t exactly their strong suit!”
During their daily enrichment moments, Jill has to stay alert. “Sometimes, one dog will try to snag another’s toy, but overall, they do very well together. They’re such a close-knit team. The five Dachshunds, in particular, are inseparable. They often snuggle up together to sleep and seeing that melts my heart every single day.”
Pippa has an especially strong bond with Morris, one of the Dachshunds. “Every morning, the two of them start their day playing together. Watching how gentle and loving big Pippa is with little Morris is heartwarming. Those moments make everything, chaos included, so worthwhile.”
What role does Pippa play in the pack? Is she the protector, the clown, or something else?
Pippa is undoubtedly the pack’s alpha female and a caring leader. “If the little ones get too wild while playing and one of them squeaks, she’s the first to check if everything is okay,” says Jill. “She calmly but firmly corrects whoever is being too rough, as if she instinctively knows how to restore balance.”
Outside, Pippa’s protective side shines. “If a loose dog approaches Gracie, Pippa won’t hesitate to drop her beloved tennis ball and stand in front of her. Her calm yet commanding presence gives the others a sense of security.”
Gracie thrives best when Pippa is nearby. “And when the Dachshunds go out with Pippa, they carry themselves with a ‘nothing-can-happen-to-me’ attitude,” Jill adds with a smile. “With their personal bodyguard, everyone feels relaxed and confident.”
Jill, what’s it like living with such a lively dog family? What’s the biggest challenge?
“It’s amazing! They brighten even the grayest days and make good days even better. Our dogs have an incredible ability to sense how we’re feeling and know exactly how to cheer us up. They’re the sunshine in our home—always there with happy faces, wagging tails, tons of kisses, and unconditional love.”
The biggest challenge? “I’m a bit of a neat freak,” admits Jill. “I like to keep the house tidy and cozy, while my husband takes care of the garden. Together, we’re a great team, but keeping everything spotless with seven dogs isn’t always easy.”
What’s even more challenging is making sure each dog gets enough time, attention, and love. “They have to share our attention, of course, but we make a point of spending individual moments with each of them. They deserve the best, and we give 200% for our dogs. We just hope they feel how loved they are and that they’re truly a happy pack together.”
Jill, how did you end up with Pippa and the other dogs? Do they each have a special story?
The journey began with Pippa. In February 2019, Jill’s eldest stepdaughter invited her to visit a litter of puppies, undecided between two of them. Jill’s youngest stepdaughter joined as well. “When you have a big heart for animals and see an irresistibly cute puppy, there’s no going back,” Jill laughs.
Little Pippa stood out immediately, nibbling on Sofie’s sleeve, giving kisses, and gazing at them with her big brown eyes. “At one point, I asked her, ‘Are you coming home with us?’ She tilted her head as if she understood, and not long after, she was sitting on Sofie’s lap in the car.”
Hoewel Pippa volop aandacht kreeg, dachten we dat ze toch een speelkameraadje miste. Een half jaar later zagen we een foto van Gracie op Facebook. Ze was een jaar oud, een Roemeens straathondje, en stond als eerste op de lijst in een dodingsstation. Die post raakte ons diep. We wisten meteen: dit moet onze volgende hond worden. Na contact met de organisatie kwam Gracie naar België, waar ze eerst even werd opgevangen. Eind oktober 2019 mochten we haar eindelijk ontmoeten. Vanaf het eerste moment voelde het alsof ze thuishoorde bij ons. Ze heette oorspronkelijk Cici, maar haar elegante manier van huppelen gaf haar de naam Gracie. Zij en Pippa werden al snel onafscheidelijke BFF’s.
Begin 2020 moesten we helaas afscheid nemen van Bo, ons tienjarige dwerpinchertje. Dat verlies liet een groot gat achter, ondanks dat Pippa en Gracie ons gezelschap hielden. We misten de aanwezigheid van een klein hondje. Na maanden van twijfel besloten we in september op zoek te gaan naar een teckel. Mijn man was helemaal weg van dit eigenwijze ras, en bij het eerste bezoek waren Sofie en ik direct verkocht aan Odette. Haar dapple vacht en stoere pootjes waren onweerstaanbaar. Een week later mochten we haar ophalen. Pippa en Gracie bleken de liefste grote zussen te zijn, met eindeloos geduld voor hun nieuwe gezinslid.
The pack grew over time, with Gracie—a Romanian rescue saved from a kill shelter—joining Pippa six months later. Then came the Dachshunds, each with their own unique story and personality, and finally Lowie, a five-year-old male who urgently needed a home.
“Yes, seven dogs is a lot,” Jill admits, “but we have enough love, space, and care to give. Our hearts are big enough for them all, and that’s what really matters.”
What does Pippa love most on a day off: walking, playing, or relaxing?
“A perfect day? Definitely a mix of all three!” says Jill. “First, a lovely walk, then endless playtime with her tennis ball, and finally, relaxing with her pack. That’s what dreams are made of.”
Jill, what does Pippa mean to you, and how would you describe her in three words?
Pippa is my best friend,” Jill says fondly. “If I had to describe her in three words, they’d be:
unconditional, genuine, and loyal.
How do you incorporate sustainability into life with the dogs? Do you have any eco-tips?
“When shopping, I prioritise sustainable toys and snacks in eco-friendly packaging from stores that respect the environment. Our dogs also encourage us to walk more and drive less. For cleaning up after them, I always use biodegradable poop bags; it’s a small effort for a cleaner planet.”
What do you think of your Pawness products? Any favourites?
“Pawness? Absolutely F A N T A S T I C!”
Everything is stylish, sustainable, and of exceptional quality.
Picking a favourite is tough because we love it so much. The personalised and slow feeder ceramic bowls are both stunning and functional. They’re so beautiful they’ve become part of our decor.
De keramieken gepersonaliseerde voerbakken zijn een waar kunstwerk. Te mooi om in een keukenkast te zetten! Bij ons staan ze op een wandrek, waar ze perfect in ons interieur passen.
De anti-schrok voerbakken zijn niet alleen prachtig, maar ook super functioneel. Het is geweldig om te zien hoe onze honden hier rustig en ontspannen van eten. Ze maken van elk eetmoment een belevenis.
The Cookie Jar is elegant and practical, and the scented candles and perfumes are divine. Pawness is an absolute must-have!”
Jill, what’s the best moment you’ve had with Pippa?
“There have been so many unforgettable moments, but if I had to choose, it would be her first day with us. Watching her run joyfully through the garden with that sparkle in her eyes was pure magic. And that sparkle? It’s still there.
Happiness is in the little things: a peaceful walk in the woods or a warm hug. Those simple, everyday moments take up the biggest space in your heart.”
Ik ben Denise, oprichter van Pawness. Ontstaan vanuit de liefde voor mijn hond Bo en de zoektocht naar eerlijke, mooie producten voor honden. Ik geloof dat elke keuze telt: voor je hond, voor de planeet en voor de mensen erachter. Met deze blogs help ik puppyouders bewuster te kiezen, zonder dat het ingewikkeld hoeft te zijn.
