Betty the Bunny reveals some secrets of Joey Mead

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Kahlua or Kaloo for short. I was born on a sprawling farm in Bukidnon with a beautiful black Lab as a mother and a handsome Golden Retriever as a father. Lucky me, I got my mother’s looks and my father’s lean body. I must say I’m quite proud of my legs. I’ll never forget the first day I met my human. I was barely two weeks old, scrambling on top of my litter and she walked in. She sat down in the middle of us all, happily playing. You could see immediately that Stephanie was a true dog lover. She let all of us eight brothers and sisters climb on top of her and bite at her hair. She had pulled my sister Bailey and I out to play. I was ecstatic! Finally, I could explore! Roam free! 

At the age of two months we were both sent to Manila and I knew that only one of us would stay with her and the other would go to a loving home. Unlike my sister Bailey, who was a rather calm and sleepy dog, I had always liked human contact. I made an effort to play, look her and my new father Jonathan in the eyes. I followed them everywhere. And the proof in the proverbial doggie pudding: instead of giving me away, as originally planned, at the last minute they both declared they couldn’t part with me. Humans don’t choose the pet. The pet chooses you. I had chosen my home and have loved it ever since! And when I was going through my clumsy teenage years, they put up patiently with me, teaching me tricks and showering me with tons of affection. Now, at the age of three, my life has significantly calmed down. I’m a very simple girl. I’m extremely friendly. I love people. I need only a few treats (especially some roast chicken meat!) and could subsist on pure love. My only extravagance? An oversized bed with a fluffy cushion and blanket.

Although I still enjoy an invigorating run around the garden and the occasional swim on a hot day, I have more time nowadays. A recent addition to the family, a four-month-old Schnauzer, Otto, has helped me mature. I’m always trying to keep him out of too much trouble. While he’s off digging holes and biting leaves I often find myself contemplating the lives of other pets as I roll around on the grass and stare at the birds. I wonder what other pets are like. What makes them tick. This is why I decided to start writing — to get to know more about celebrity pets and their human families.

I couldn’t think of anything more interesting as a first piece than featuring the ultimate pet caretaker, Joey Mead King. She is a live events host, active fashion blogger and model mentor for AsNTM. More importantly, she and her husband, Ian King, are fur parents to 10 animals. Three dogs: Halle, a four-year-old poodle; Noah, a five-year-old mixed Rott/Lab; and Beamer, a one-year-old rescued Aspin. Plus six rescued cats: Felix, four; Shadow, four; Ninja, two; Coco, two; Sweety, two; and Tiger, one and a half. And lastly, a three-year-old rabbit named Betty.

“I grew up with cats,” Joey shares “I had always wanted my own again, but due to work and travel and never being in the same country every two to three months, it was impossible. Now married and actually being a homeowner, the opportunity just happened. Through the years the animals just happened. I didn’t look for them. They came to us. I have a soft spot for all animals and if only I could, I would save them all. I’m an advocate for PAWS (Sweety was adopted from there) and through them I can help and educate others. That’s it’s beauty beyond breed. An animal’s love and loyalty to their family is an honor and I take pride in my animals.”

I enjoy following her furry posts on Instagram (they even have their own hashtag: #kingmeadpets) and I’m amazed at how all kinds of animals get along under one roof! I have to admit I also have a girl crush on Betty the Bunny! She has a rocking home that makes any furry friend drool with envy.

KALOO: Describe yourself in three words.

BETTY THE BUNNY: Introvert, moody and fluffy.

What is it like being a rabbit in a dog and cat world?

I was already with my human family before of most of the cats, so I own the backyard. It’s my world out here, my rules!

Among your furry siblings, who’s your favorite? And why?

I have none; they are all pests! There is one cat called Coco who’s a little obsessed with me, hangs out in my crib all the time. Keep kicking her out!

You have an amazing home! Tell me a bit about the interiors and design.

My human — Joey Mead — had my home built for me; she’s crazy about Moorish style. She designed it. My viewing balcony is arched, has Bizassa gold/gray mosaic tiles and my own little Moroccan lamp. I have wooden doors also with arch detail that allows a breeze and also protects me from rain. My human wants me to feel like the queen of my palace!

Please tell me more about Joey Mead? What’s she like?

My human thinks I must be a human baby or child, she talks to me like she talks to them: “B-B-Baa-Betty girl, who’s the preeettiest wabbit in the village?” 

Joey can be particular with presentation. I watch how she tries to design interiors on a budget. Her partner is eco-conscious, they use my poop for the garden and soon also for compost. Kind of weird, but humans are weird. Besides that, I think she is a caring human and I love her.

What do you guys like to do together for one-on-one time?

Each morning she sits outside to eat breakfast, sip her coffee or juice and opens my gate for me to binky around the backyard (binky is a rabbit quick jump). I usually stay under the bench and let her rub my head and nose. I really like that. That’s why I have a balcony, so others may pet me, too.

How does Joey manage with all the pets at home? Do you ever feel neglected?

I have her in the mornings and before she sleeps she checks my water bowl and gives me treats. She spreads her time among all of us. The cats, being snobs, come to her and the dogs, which I think are halfwits, go anywhere she is and hang out while she rubs them.

What are your fave hobbies?

I pretty much like eating, sleeping, and kicking out the cats or humping them if they are too slow to move!

Your fave food? And if you could have anything in the world, even forbidden stuff, what would be your ultimate meal?

I love basil! I would like to eat the garden if I could. But I’ll always go berserk when I get slices of whole-wheat bread.

Describe your dream vacation and where would it be?

I have seen the park outside the human home. The cats tell me about it all the time. Joey knows this and will bring me there when the weather is right.

What would be your ultimate happy moment?

Digging in a garden … I’m such a fast digger, too! I can dig and dig forever!

What are three things about Joey that no one else knows?

1. Her Rock N Boho blog (www.rocknboho.com) — My human’s newest brainchild is something that she’s been really passionate about. She manages to put together this rock-star androgynous vibe — booties, leather, studs, with a more bohemian, patterned and flowy aesthetic. It’s a fantastic oxymoron that works so well. She encourages people to think beyond “age dressing” and work the same pieces into effortless day-to-night looks! Definitely her style icons are Talitha Getty and Bianca Jagger.

2. She was one of the lucky few who got to get up close and personal with the Sarah Jessica Parker. She shared that although she had to juggle hosting duties she will “never forget her first words to me and gently touching my back after making me beso. It was an automatic reaction to feel at ease and comforted by her. Her nature is humble and real. Classy and cool — a feature I most look for in people.”

3. She takes every endeavor to heart, a trait I love about her! She told me once about being a mentor on Asia’s Next Top Model that “Mentoring is like being a professional big sister. I’m not related to the contestants, but watching them go through similar experiences in the ups and downs of the fickle world of fashion gives me a chance to let them understand — they need to suck it up and the toughest and most humble will survive and succeed.”