Dr. Katrina Watson recalls the sadness she felt when her beloved dog Toby died 14 years ago.
The famously cheerful border collie, who died in 2010, was the 56-year-old’s co-star in Seven’s long-running pet show Harry’s Practice (1997-2003).
“We had to put out a press release when Toby passed away because all of Australia was behind me,” she said, recalling the pain of losing her family.
“I had to go to Los Angeles for seven days shortly after, and when I got home I realized the house was empty,” she admitted. Women’s Day on Wednesday.
She added that it was not easy for some pet owners to share their grief over the loss of a pet because it was a loss that some people find difficult to understand.
‘The more we talk about death, the easier it is [grieving] process. It is a very difficult conversation for many people.’
Dr. Katrina Watson recalls the sadness she felt when her beloved dog Toby died 14 years ago. The famously cheerful border collie, who died in 2010, was the 56-year-old’s co-star in Seven’s long-running pet show Harry’s Practice (1997-2003). Pictured: A throwback photo of Katrina with Toby when he was a puppy
In a new interview with Woman’s Day on Wednesday, Katrina said losing a pet and talking about it can be a difficult conversation for some people. (Pictured with border collie Chilli)
Since her time on the hit lifestyle show, Katrina has built a career as a pet influencer.
Elsewhere in the chat, Katrina shared how she has been able to guide pet owners through their grief through her online content.
“I do a lot of work supporting people through the loss of a pet, and that gives me immense satisfaction,” she told the publication.
Katrina’s videos feature her new border collie Chilli.
It comes after Katrina opened up about losing Toby during an episode of the series earlier this year Jess Rowe big talk show.
Katrina’s beloved companion, known as Toby the Wonderdog, also appeared on Channel Ten’s children’s program Totally Wild.
“He was part of my identity,” an emotional Katrina admitted during the podcast, which first appeared in May.
And Katrina offered advice to anyone suffering the loss of a beloved pet.
Katrina said that as an influencer she has been able to guide pet owners through their grief
She admitted she was struggling with her grief, telling listeners, “You just have to push through the grief.”
The vet added that it is important to have people around who can offer support and compassion.
“Unfortunately, we have a world of people who say things like ‘it’s just a cat.’ It’s replaceable. Have one more,” she continued.
‘Comments like this just make people hide behind a door.
‘The only thing you can do to deal with it is keep yourself busy. One day the tears will turn into smiles when you think of the memories.”
Katrina rose to fame on Channel 10’s children’s program Totally Wild in 1994.
From 1997 to 2003, she appeared alongside Dr. Chris Brown in Seven’s Harry’s Practice as a vet.
Warren later hosted Beverly Hills Vet in 2003 and Housecat Housecall in 2008 on Animal Planet in the US.