With more than 30 years in media, Susie von den Stemmen has built a career spanning TV, journalism, culture, travel and lifestyle. Here, she talks about her two rescue dogs, life on the road and the grounding power of having dogs by your side.
What do your two dogs bring into your life that nothing else can?
Susie von den Stemmen: "Grounding, responsibility and a very special kind of love, one you rarely feel for people. "
Dogs are loyal, incredibly honest and completely down to earth. That rubs off on you.
You've spent decades working across media, culture, travel and lifestyle. How do your dogs fit into this fast-paced life?
Susie von den Stemmen: "That's exactly their gift: when I come home, they bring me back down to earth in the most honest, natural way. I can often bring them along to work. Of course I sometimes wish I had more time with them. But in the end, it's not about how much time you have. It's about quality time."
If your dogs could describe you in three words, what would they say?
Susie von den Stemmen: "You'd really have to ask them. But my guess is social, funny and loyal, which is exactly what they are too."
Anyone who follows my Instagram and has seen the highlights with the dogs knows that I talk to them, and they talk back.
What's the most ridiculous thing you've ever done for your dogs?
Susie von den Stemmen: "Both of my dogs are rescues. When Polly first came to me, it was just the three of us, with my daughter. For her birthday, I flew home early from the US just to celebrate with her, as if she knew it was her big day! And anyone who follows my Instagram and has seen the highlights with the dogs knows that I talk to them, and they talk back."
Do your dogs have a favourite place to travel with you?
Susie von den Stemmen: "My dogs are happy wherever we are. What has really changed is the way we travel. Professionally, I'm surrounded by luxury all the time, so privately it's no longer about faster, higher, further. We simply get in the car and go, ideally to a mountain hut, a lake or a river."
Dogs give you a sense of grounding and a pure heart that, otherwise, only children seem to have.
What have your dogs taught you about life and about yourself?
Susie von den Stemmen: "Humility. And that time is precious. We all know how short a dog's life is. But when they get to grow old happy and healthy, the goodbye becomes easier to bear. They also give you a sense of grounding and a pure heart that, otherwise, only children seem to have."
