Carl Wastie is best known for keeping Cape Town entertained on the Kfm 94.5 Flash Drive, hosting the Kfm Top 40 and bringing his trademark humour to TV screens and live events. But away from the microphone, the award-winning broadcaster has another role he takes just as seriously: devoted Boston Terrier dad to four wonderfully quirky pups.
Meet Chester, Chardonnay, Chilli and Champagne (affectionately known as the ‘CH Squad’), a pack that keeps Carl on his toes and constantly reaching for the treat cupboard.
Four paws, one unforgettable beginning
Carl’s Boston Terrier journey began with what he thought would be a single puppy.
“My first BT came from a beautiful litter that needed homes, so I drove out to Paarl and brought my first-born home,” he says. “Then I heard that homes were hard to find for that litter, so I adopted another angel.”
What he didn’t realise was that his second dog came from a different litter. Before long, the pair had produced a surprise family.
“The pair of them got ‘stuck’, and the female had seven little Bosties, which we named Monday through to Sunday,” he laughs. “I actually woke up at around four in the morning the day they were born and helped the mom deliver all seven healthy puppies, so you could say I’m a professional Boston Terrier midwife!”
If Carl’s account rings a bell, that’s because our previous pet celeb, Munich Nefdt, furkid of the as famous Tanya, was the BT formerly known as Thursday.
The CH Squad
If you’ve spotted a pattern in their names, that’s entirely intentional. “All of their names start with ‘CH’,” says Carl.
The tradition began with Chester, named after Carl’s musical hero, the late Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. “Chester is a typical firstborn child; he is the poster boy for CHarm and the apple of everyone’s eye. He is very, very affectionate and connects with people very quickly. The ultimate gentleman and everyone who has met him has threatened to take him home.”
Chardonnay is the matriarch of the family. “She’s the protective one – a natural protector of the pack, so she can be feisty, but she is also very affectionate and cuddly once she connects with someone.”
Then there’s Chilli, the sporty youngster. “He is the athlete, and instantly triggered by the word
‘Ball-eee’.”
And finally, Champagne – the smallest dog with arguably the biggest personality. “Champagne is a fighter in every sense of the word. She has the heart of a lion. I almost lost her due to respiratory complications when she was a puppy. She fought through being the ‘runt’ of the litter, the last to eat as well as medical issues to become a strong little girl.”
Pack politics
Every family has its dynamics and the CH Squad is no exception. When asked who causes the most chaos, Carl doesn’t hesitate. “Champagne is definitely the troublemaker. She starts fights and loves a play fight, but I believe that spirit comes from what she went through and it manifests in moments of asserting her authority.”
Despite Champagne’s attempts to take charge, Carl says Chardonnay remains firmly in control.
“I believe Chardonnay is the Alpha female despite the attempts by Champagne to overthrow the throne.”
As for the classic middle-child energy? “Chilli is the middle child, I would say. Chester is the typical eldest and the two girls do their own thing, so Chilli has that ‘in-between’ energy.”
Home is wherever the heater is
Life with four Boston Terriers is surprisingly relaxed. “Usually, it’s a hop in the car to take my son to school, a little walk, a curious meander to the backyard and hours of sleeping in whichever sun patch they can find.”
When Carl returns home after his radio show, the welcome is anything but subtle. “They’re barking as if to say, ‘I know it’s you! – come in!’” he laughs. “Then they jump up at me like I’ve been lost at sea for a year. And the next reaction is them walking me to the treats cupboard – yes, they literally guide me to the cupboard.”
Although the dogs enjoy lazy days at home, their favourite activity is escaping into nature. “I love going away with them and it’s my life’s mission to find as many pet-friendly fenced accommodation spots as I can.”
One getaway in Wolseley stands out above the rest. “A zebra walked up close to my accommodation, and my eldest, Chester, was spellbound by this new, big, black-and-white creature, showing equal amounts of fear and interest,” Carl recalls. “You could tell he was trying to figure out if it was a large, strange Boston or something else.”
If he could design the perfect day for his pack, it would be wonderfully simple, says Carl. “The day would start with a morning treat, followed by them hopping in the car for a drive to a stay-over location. There would be an explorative walk through nature… perhaps a picnic on the grass… My job is so busy, so the simplicity of just relaxing with their calm energy is the perfect day.”
Four dogs, four love languages
Managing four dogs means learning that each has very different emotional needs. “I would like to see it as listening, watching body language and attending to the love languages of each Boston,” says Carl.
“Chester needs affection and is very tactile. Chardonnay needs reassurance due to her anxiety issues, Champagne requires acknowledgement through treats and Chilli needs a ball.”
Advice for anyone dreaming of their own multi-dog household? “Don’t buy new couches and stay away from dark fabrics,” he jokes. “You’ll probably also need a dog food sponsor if you are going for four or more. I haven’t found one yet but I will get there before the money dries up, I hope.”
More than pets
Carl is also a passionate supporter of animal welfare organisations and believes helping shelters should become a family habit.
“I would love to see more people getting involved in animal welfare facilities as a family activity where you can get your kids involved in dropping off some blankets or food at their nearest shelter.” He applauds the work of organisations like the SPCA, DARG, TEARS, AACL, CRO and Dead Animals Walking for their commitment to caring for vulnerable animals.
But perhaps the greatest lesson his Boston Terriers have taught him has nothing to do with dogs at all. “They have taught me that no matter what, you need to treat your favourite people like it’s the first and last time you are seeing them. Be affectionate, show them attention and make sure they feel all your energy, because you never know when your last time is your last time.”
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