Michaela Strachan, a TV presenter, lives in South Africa with her partner, Nick Chevallier, and their son Oliver. She adores her rescue dog, Rio, and believes that dogs offer unconditional love, enrichment to our lives, and teach valuable lessons to children. She is passionate about the mistreatment of pets and believes it is important for dogs to have companionship and be well cared for. She shared a heartbreaking incident where she lost her dog Timmy to cancer and another incident where Timmy and Rio accidentally ingested crystal meth.
Michaela finds solace in hiking with her dogs up Cape Town’s Table Mountain and reflects on the joy and challenges of owning pets. She expresses concern over the breeding of certain dog breeds for looks instead of health, leading to health issues and vet bills. Despite the challenges, she adores her dogs and values the companionship they provide. Michaela’s career has been diverse, starting as a singer and transitioning to wildlife presenting, where she has spent over 30 years. She has co-hosted wildlife shows like The Really Wild Show and currently appears on BBC’s Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Winterwatch. Recently, she participated in the BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales.
In 2014, Michaela was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy, an experience that she tries to forget. She reflects on celebrating her 10-year cancer-free milestone and the recent loss of her friend and colleague Lucy Bowden to cancer. Michaela emphasizes her survivor mentality and the importance of living life without fear of cancer’s return. She remains dedicated to her work and passionate about wildlife conservation. She also highlights the impact of the media and social media on dog breeding practices that prioritize looks over health, causing harm to the animals. She advocates for education and awareness on responsible pet ownership and breeding practices.
Michaela recounts scary experiences where her dogs, Timmy and Rio, accidentally ingested crystal meth and suffered severe side effects. She shares the panic and fear she felt during these incidents and the relief when her dogs recovered. Despite the challenges and scares, Michaela cherishes her dogs and appreciates the joy and love they bring into her life. She acknowledges the responsibilities of pet ownership, the importance of companionship, and the need for proper care and attention to ensure the well-being of pets. Despite the hardships, Michaela remains grateful for the love and loyalty of her furry companions.
