I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. Inja means “dog” in Zulu, one of the country’s native languages. We immigrated to Sydney in 2009.

There was always a dog in our home, though I’ll admit I wasn’t overly enamoured at first. That changed when my middle daughter, Sam, turned 8 and asked for a puppy. She got her wish—a Cavoodle named Toffee. He became so much more than her gift; he brought instant love, joy, and completeness to our whole family. We couldn’t imagine life without him.

Two years later, we made a tree-change move from Sydney’s Upper North Shore to a five-acre lifestyle block in beautiful Kurrajong, an hour northwest of the city. With one happy dog and plenty of space, we decided Toffee needed a friend. That search led me to a breeder and the idea of guardian homes for breeding dogs—something I immediately loved. Soon after, Hazel joined us.

After Hazel’s first litter, we fell in love all over again—and brought home her daughter, Roxi, who also joined the breeding program. One dog became three, and I was completely hooked.

After years in stressful corporate roles, I realised the more time I spent with people, the more I wanted to be with dogs. Still, three felt like our limit.

So, ever the optimist, I had another idea: instead of more dogs of our own, we’d care for other people’s. That’s how Kurrajong Oodles began – an exclusive farm stay where “oodles” live with us as part of the family. No kennels, just a place on the couch. Through our guests, I saw just how much love and joy these dogs bring.

Through Kurrajong Oodles my path crossed with the amazing owner of Vineyard Labradoodles; Leigh Lewis. Leigh agreed to be my mentor and I was able to piece together my own puzzle of creation.

inja Australian Labradoodles was born.