Falling in Love & Finding Reggie

It’s a busy Sunday morning in East London. There’s a marathon taking place in a nearby park, and the sun is peeking through the clouds. With a coffee in hand, we meet up with Tish, Amy and their dog, Reggie, to discuss all things queer pet-parenting.

Firstly, how did you guys meet? And how did Reggie come into the picture?

Amy: As is often the way these days, we met both each other (and Reggie) online. Tish and I met on Hinge a year and a half ago, and my housemate Cece and I started dog sitting Reg through Rover about three years ago. We started looking after him for months at a time, so he has been a significant part of our lives for a while. Due to a change in their circumstances, his previous owner has since moved away, and the three of us have now owned him full-time for a year - but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tish: Amy had a picture of her walking Reg on her Hinge profile, and I think that’s what sealed the deal for me.

Does Reg have a favourite parent, and how do we all cope with that emotionally?

Amy: His favourite parent is definitely Cece, which makes it easier for our relationship, knowing that neither of us is actually the person he likes best. As he’s known me longer than Tish, I’d say he respects/listens to me more, but he very much knows Tish is the one to go to for treats, playtime and being tucked in!

Tish: I literally can’t say no to him.

What breed is Reg? Would you get the same breed again?

Amy: He’s a Whippet! I don’t think Tish would be happy with any other type of dog after having him.

Tish: That’s very true.

What’s the most ‘lesbians with a dog’ thing about your life together?

Amy: Probably the fact that we co-own him with another woman, but at least she’s not an ex! Like every other sighthound in Hackney, he also has a very extensive (and expensive) wardrobe – he definitely has more raincoats than the two of us put together. He gets so many compliments!

What’s one thing your dog has taught you about love?

Tish: I think love is waking up at silly o’clock in the morning to tuck him under the duvet. I guess it’s taught me a lot about patience, caretaking and commitment. For example, rain or shine, he still needs a walk after a long day of work!

Have you both always been dog people, or did your relationship change that?

Amy: I wasn’t particularly a dog person growing up, but got a puppy when I was 17 and have been ever since! I have definitely turned Tish into a dog person through our relationship; now she probably loves Reggie more than she does me.

Tish: Growing up, I was scared of dogs, but since meeting Reggie, I can’t imagine my life without one, and more specifically, a cuddly sighthound.

Did getting a dog together change your idea of family at all?

Amy: This is a hard one to answer because Reg has pretty much been part of the family for longer than Tish has! So when we started seeing each other, she didn’t really get much of a choice but to accept him as hers as well.

Tish: I love our funny little family! Reggie having 3 parents and so many human friends really shows it takes a village.

Do you think queer people experience pet ownership differently?

Amy: I wouldn’t personally say it’s any different, but our weird little family set-up doesn’t quite fit with the heteronormative standard, so maybe if we weren’t queer, we’d think otherwise.

What routines feel sacred in your family unit?

Amy: To Reggie, coming into our room for a cuddle every morning is incredibly sacred. Although sometimes we definitely wouldn’t mind if he stayed in his own bed!

Tish: For me, it’s getting a nice coffee and doing a long walk down the canals together.

Do you have any nicknames for Reg? If so, please tell me all of them.

Tish: Our friend calls him Sir Reginald Pissy Paws the III (he’s not quite got the hang of peeing at the grand age of 10). I just call him Reggie Roo.

What advice would you give to queer couples or individuals looking to get a pet?

Tish: Coming home to Reggie, cuddling on the sofa with him and Amy, and getting up at least five times to tuck him into his blankets is worth it. And I guarantee it’ll be worth it for you, too. I guess if I were going to give any advice, it’d be to savour every single moment of it. Your chosen family becomes so special and the centre of your world, so be present and enjoy it.

This interview is taken from our Pride 2026 zine titled 'More Love', exploring themes of chosen family and queerness. If you'd like a copy, reach out to us on Instagram @waggel or email us at hello@waggel.co.uk.