Possum, a former resident at The Lost Dogs’ Home, recently embarked on a life changing adventure that would see her take a 24-hour plane trip and an exciting tube ride to live the life of an Australian expatriate in downtown London.

Formerly known as Gracie, Possum was adopted by medical professionals Bonnie and Mark at the tender age of 7-months as a companion for their previously adopted cat Mungo.

After viewing the kitten’s profile on the Home’s website, the couple made the trip to The Cat Shelter in North Melbourne, where Possum had the couple at hello, “Mark picked her up out of the enclosure and she grabbed him like a baby around his neck and shoulders. He turned to the assistant without batting an eyelid and said ‘We will take her’.”

“We initially named her Gracie after the street where the Home is located, but her adventurous attitude, love for staying awake at night and playful manner indicated that a different name was required…we thought she reminded us of a possum, and it stuck!” she said.

Earlier this year Possum and Mungo – who uncannily look related – forged a lifelong friendship when the pair travelled to England’s capital by plane following Bonnie and Mark’s decision to relocate.

“Mark and I decided to relocate to London and simply couldn’t bear to leave the girls behind in Melbourne. A pet travel company organised all the transfers and requirements of entry for Possum and Mungo. We were fortunate that there wasn’t a quarantine requirement, which meant we were reunited with the girls within two weeks,” she said.

 “We picked them up from the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow Airport and took a very exciting trip on the London Underground Tube to our cosy Notting Hill apartment.”

Bonnie recalls how the pair drew a lot of attention from Londoners on the train,

“They caused quite a stir…everyone was fussing over them and wanted to hear our story. Mark was bailed up by a number of passengers who couldn’t believe they had just come from Australia! While both are really easy going and confident, Possum especially adored the attention!”

While they enjoyed the tube ride, the pair were not exempt from jet lag, “Poor little Possum was so tired and missed us so much that she slept on my pillow all night!” Bonnie said.

Now completely unpacked, the pair have adjusted well to the British way of life.  

“They are enjoying the many varieties of birdlife available for viewing on the balcony and spend a lot of time watching and making funny noises at them- something they did a lot from the balcony in Melbourne. The two have also enjoyed trying all the new cat food!”

Possum remains akin to her name and is very much a native Australian nocturnal furry,

“They haven’t turned posh quite yet and Possum, true to her name is still very much an Australian- and that’s why we love her!”

“She is so loving and affectionate. She loves to play in cupboards among our clothes and loves to help us unpack the fruit from the market. She spends her afternoons lazing about in boxes and our suitcase (see photograph)!!”

Bonnie strongly suggests those planning to relocate overseas to seriously consider taking their pet’s with them,

“Don’t make them another rescue cat or dog- take them with you! The financial side of it is obviously a hurdle that had to be overcome, but we haven’t looked back- it is well worth the money.”

“They are also a nice reminder of home and good companions to cuddle when you’re feeling a little homesick!”

For further information about requirements on relocating or travelling with your pets, search for the relevant government department of your planned destination.

If you too have a lot of love to give like Bonnie and Mark, why not consider adopting a cat or dog of your own! Simply out the adoptions page for pet profiles and the The Lost Dogs’ Home website for further information.