Many people find love online nowadays but few fall in love at first sight.

That’s what happened to Carolyn Patton who was smitten from when she saw a post online about a pretty miniature poodle.

“I was looking for a second poodle, saw Daisy online and immediately went out to Beaudesert to get her. It was definitely love at first sight,” said Carolyn, a homeowner at GemLife Gold Coast.

The now five-year-old Daisy is a sister to Carolyn’s phantom miniature poodle, Darcy, who turns eight next month.

“Darcy, who has a beautiful nature, was born in the same year that I lost my daughter to cancer,” she said.

“He was bred by a lady I worked with at Elanora High School, where I was a teacher’s aide for special needs kids and also did admin during my 22 years there. I named him after one of the children at the school,” she said.

Carolyn, who has had dogs all her life, previously owned Chihuahuas, but said she decided to opt for poodles when she learned they didn’t smell or shed.

“They are also very intelligent dogs, especially Darcy who can open the sliding door into the laundry, and they both come to me if I’m sad or a bit out of sorts or, alternatively, if they want some attention,” she laughed.

Carolyn said both her dogs are precious to her.

“You have to look after your pets and be responsible. I admit mine are somewhat spoilt, but the love they give in return… Daisy puts her arms around my neck and Darcy will lie next to me on the rug and they will follow me around everywhere. It’s irreplaceable and so unconditional.”

More than great company, they also make Carolyn feel safe.

“They warn me by barking if someone is around, but they would also probably lick them to death, although I think Daisy might run away scared with her tail between her legs. She has always been a bit anxious,” laughed Carolyn.

“I talk to them all the time and I can tell what they are thinking just by the look on their faces.”

Darcy and Daisy have both been to behaviour courses and Carolyn has also learned the best ways to handle them.

When it comes to car rides, Carolyn says they travel quite well.

“Darcy is ‘Joe Cool’ and will go to sleep but not so much Daisy,” she said.

Carolyn said that one of the big reasons she moved into GemLife Gold Coast was the fact it was pet friendly and she couldn’t think about moving and not taking them with her.

“Having pets is a two-way affair. They just want love and will love you to death, and that’s how I feel about them too. They are like kids and are my children, my babies. I couldn’t love them more if I tried!”

Having pets is a two-way affair. They just want love and will love you to death, and that’s how I feel about them too.

Check with your home of choice whether pets are allowed. If not, there will be one nearby who will.