Carl Wastie and his Boston Besties

If I said it once, I’ll say it a million times more. Never judge a book by its cover.

Meeting Carl Wastie just re-established this for me. Whether you tune in to the Expresso Show in the morning, listen to the Flash Drive on KFM or attending an event where he’s the Master of Ceremonies, you’ll know that Carl is well known for his dad jokes and quick quips. He is hilarious and so quick witted.

Before we get into all that, tell us about your own four loves of your life and how they became part of the family.

“My little Boston family actually grew by chance. It started with a little rescue pup which I named Chester, after the late lead singer of my favourite rock band, Linkin Park. Boston Terriers are very social creatures and with my schedule being so hectic, I rescued another one – a little female, which my wife and I named Chardonnay (no need to explain the name yet), to keep Chester company. In the week of Chester’s snip appointment, he got locked up with Chardonnay, like he knew what was about to happen.
Weeks later, she had a litter of seven, which we named after all the days of the week. We found homes for five of them but had to keep two as one had some health issues which the Panorama Veterinary Hospital sorted out. They are incredible at what they do there. So that’s how our final number became four and it has changed my life in so many ways.”

The pack leader is, of course, Chardonnay. She rules the house with grace and is very protective of her family. Chilli, the younger male, is the athlete and entertainer of the group, showing off for everyone and is a very kind soul. Then there is also Champagne, a timid girl with health issues when she was little and has taken to be the quiet one in the pack. She even prefers eating where it’s quiet and will often take her pellets to eat in a peaceful spot.

What are their respective favourite pastimes?

“Chester’s favourite pastime has to be stealing balls from the other dogs and then wanting them to take it from him. I suppose it’s his way of establishing some sort of command in lieu of Chardonnay’s dominance.

Chardonnay loves running and she is a sprinter, so the everyday walk is actually proper cardio for us.

Chilli loves playing fetch and is proficient at it. He likes the ball being thrown in such a way that he gets to jump and snatch it out the air like some kind of show dog.

Champagne, believe it or not, is a swimmer. She loves the pool and can handle a whole swim session with her humans with ease.”

Anyone who’s ever had the privilege of meeting a Boston Terrier on their home turf would know that these little pooches can get up to a lot of mischief. They are busy! So, guess who is the naughtiest of the pack?

“Champagne and Chilli are the naughty ones and have the best way of smoothing over a misdemeanor with their puppy eyes. They are both fans of eating their beds when no one is looking and as a result, we’ve had to use blankets as their beds as there have been way too many moments where my backyard looks like a winter wonderland clad in stuffing that they thought amusing to rip out of their beds.”

Carl’s had a love of animals since he was young and could typically be found playing with birds, cats, and dogs at his friend’s house instead of the children. He grew up with a Rottweiler-Labrador cross, named Shayna, as well as a Poodle-cross named Princess.

Which traits about the Boston Terrier Breed drew you to them?

“Boston Terriers are personality dogs who match their demeanor to their owners, and I love that about them. My lifestyle is very busy but having dogs who know you and feel your every emotion is such a perk for me. I can have a rough day and they will lay at my feet like they are making themselves available for love, or if I am braaiing and relaxed, they will set the mood by playing outside and being joyous. The Boston breed is very special.”

By now, I know you are all wondering about their names. Here’s where the inspiration comes from.

“I mentioned this earlier, but Chester was named after the Linkin Park lead singer Chester Bennington who passed on a year before I rescued Chester.

Chardonnay and Champagne were named by their mom who enjoys a glass or two here and there. Chilli was named after my love for everything spicy. All together you will notice that their names start with a “Ch” which was the plan, and we sometimes affectionately call them “The CHardashians”.”

When it comes to supporting charity, Carl is no stranger to the industry and the needs of those who are unable to speak for themselves.

You obviously know what joy it was for Skunk and his mom to be reunited thanks to your efforts. So many pets go missing and so many neglected animals are left to fend for themselves on the streets. You’re a proud supporter of the SPCA and the work they do. Are there any other welfares you support and want to encourage South Africans to get involved in?

“I love using my platforms for good and if I can make a difference, it is my responsibility to do so. I love the SPCA, but I have no problem supporting more animal causes, and human causes for that matter, when time permits. I don’t want to be specific, but I would definitely encourage pet owners to find a charity and drop off some food or toys. The same goes for anyone with kids who would like to encourage a ‘giving’ culture in their home. Take the kids with you to a shelter or a drive of any sort and allow your family to cultivate selflessness. It’s huge in the long run.”

I don’t know about you, but I would love to run into Carl on a hiking trail. The route would be so much fun listening to the puns and commentary of a bright and caring soul like him. One thing is for sure though, we’re going to see a lot more of Carl in the future. Stars like him lead the way for all of us.

5 Things you may not know about Carl

What is your favourite part about your job?

“My favourite part of my job is the impact I have on so many people and the way radio and tv is such a powerful part of people’s lives and mental health.”

Favourite football team?

“Real Madrid, Bafana, Brazil, France and Spain.”

Favourite musician/band?

“Linkin Park, and everyone local. Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Oasis, Eminem.
The list goes on.”

Favourite pastimes?

“Board games with the family and braaiing. More recently also hiking and CrossFit.”