Anna Murphy has had a menagerie of pets all her life.
The comedian and JOY 94.9 radio show co-host uses her Breakfast radio program, which she presents with pet-loving brother Dean, to raise awareness about animal welfare, adoption and the benefit of pets for human mental and physical health.
“Animals are so important for people who live alone,” Anna says.
“I wouldn’t have survived the Covid-19 lockdowns without my pets. I hear so many stories of people who say the same thing.
“They become your family.”
Always community minded, Anna volunteered at JOY 94.9 for nine years before she and Dean landed their breakfast spot, where they are honoured to represent the LGBTQ+ community. Now she wants to turn her giving spirit toward encouraging more people to consider offering a pet in need a home.
“I would encourage anyone to adopt a pet,” she says.
“It’s such a great experience and you help an animal in need.”
Although she loves kids, Anna always saw herself having fur babies for herself.
“I’m a fur mum. I was always going to have pets, not kids,” Anna says.
At the moment, she is mum to two – a 9-year-old British short hair cat called Willow and a 3-year-old poodle called Peppa – but hopes to expand her brood.
“Ideally I’d have another dog. I’m also keen to have a property and get llamas,” Anna says.
“I’ve always been drawn to animals. I go mad for animals!”