Abbie Chatfield reveals her ‘incredibly difficult’ but amazing new role

Abbie Chatfield has announced the newest addition to her family – almost two years after losing a much-loved member of her clan. The popular podcaster lost her first doggo Marco, a rescue who she adopted with her ex boyfriend, after he developed cancer in June 2022. She later gave another rescue dog, Walter, a new home and now the seven-year-old has a little sister, “darling” Daisy. Chatfield, 28, told news.com.au she decided to add the Cocker Spaniel x Clumber Spaniel puppy to her brood as Walter has always been surrounded by multiple furry companions. “Walter has always been in a house with multiple dogs and when I adopted him and he was on his own, I could tell that he would really benefit from another dog in the house,” she said. “Since having Daisy his anxiety has decreased and he’s much more social with other dogs at the dog park and his separation anxiety has minimised a lot.” However, she’s decided to partner with Petbarn in a bid to raise awareness about the trials and tribulations of becoming a first-time puppy pawrent. Chatfield said there had been some significant learning curves, and that the first few weeks had been “incredibly difficult”, but Daisy had already cemented herself in the family. “I’d only ever had rescue dogs who already had their routines and personalities (and training), so having a brand-new little life has been scary,” she shared. “Whilst I’ve been so excited to bring Daisy home and introduce her to her big brother, navigating through the challenges of puppyhood has been a ride … being a puppy parent isn’t glamorous.” Despite the challenges, Chatfield has no regrets, especially as Daisy brings so much comfort to Walter. “I’m so glad she’s with me. She’s brought out a new light in Walter who struggles with anxiety from previous traumas,” she told news.com.au. “It was really difficult to lose Marco particularly because I only had him for a short amount of time. “I still think about him all the time, but in grieving him, I was able to create such a close bond with Mr Walter and now Daisy. “Grieving a pet is really difficult but there’s no right or wrong way to grieve.” She said those navigating similar doubts should reach out to their local Petbarn or other puppy parents. “Since bringing my little girl home, my fellow puppy parent friends have been amazing, it’s like a parent’s club for puppies,” she said. “We’ve also been visiting our local Petbarn store for advice, assistance, and of course for shopping sprees. “We spoil her with everything … along with additional items for Walter to ensure he doesn’t feel left out.” Chatfield lost March in June 2022 after a short battle with cancer which led to a “very bad infection” that resulted in sepis. “Hello friends and fans of Marco. We have had to make the very difficult decision to put Marco down. I’m just on my way home to Sydney to give him one more kiss,” she wrote in an emotional post at the time. “He has had a very bad infection resulting in sepsis close to shock. We are absolutely devastated but so happy we got to have such a beautiful Prince in our lives. We love him more than anything.” She then signed off by asking followers to “please have roast chicken for Marco” – one of his favourite meals.