As we approached the beautiful home where we were to spend the next five nights, I was a little awe-struck by the grandeur.

We were greeted by the owner, Jana, wearing a revealing Lycra exercise outfit. It showed off her fake tan and a body which displayed extensive enlargement in various areas and reduction in others.

There was nothing natural about her – very long thick false eyelashes, vivid lipstick on lips which were obviously supporting the Botox industry beauticians in the luxury to which they were accustomed, and bleached blond hair well suited to a beach environment.

Then there was me, natural in every way, plain, with a sprinkling of silver threads through my hair, and life’s experiences etched on my face in fine wrinkles. I was feeling a little awkward, shy, and intimidated. Would I be out of place?

Following at my heels, Sunny walked in, immediately at home in his new elegant surroundings. He was not put out at all by the beautiful Versace bed linen or the Louis Vuitton bathroom furnishings.  He liked the look of everything.

He checked out the infinity pool overlooking the canal where every home had a yacht moored at a private pontoon, and noted the adjoining spa. He does not like water, not even a bath, and runs away if I turn on the sprinklers at home. He will want to detour if anyone else has a sprinkler radiating water onto the footpath.  He turned away from these luxuries, seeking a nearby patch of grass.

He then turned to our glamorous hostess with great joy. A new friend. He immediately went into “work” mode and let her know how thrilled and delighted he was to meet her. She responded as he knew she would. 

Sunny the ice-breaker, Sunny, the one who delights in bringing people together, was at his best.

Jana and I started chatting, and I relaxed. She was just fine once I got to know her, couldn’t do enough for us, as well as for each of her guests.

She has two chihuahuas of her own, and she aptly described them as “yappy and unfriendly”. They were kept isolated from guests.

The older dog, Polly, had been strangled by a small over-enthusiastic child until she stopped breathing, and although she was saved, she never forgot her experience. Her daughter, Bella, protects her by barking shrilly whenever humans are nearby. When they yapped aggressively at us, Sunny was quite confused. Alarmed, he tried to hide behind me – he was not used to two tiny terrors.

Sunny of course was greatly admired by Jana, and he was immediately granted free reign of the house. He used his status to greet all new arrivals, and to farewell all who were continuing their travels, all this to Jana’s great delight. Every guest has a little story about him to accompany them on their way. He made each one feel special.

We, as his owners, were highly esteemed, not only by Jana but by the other guests. Who would have thought?

This elegant place started to feel like home. Like Goldilocks, we checked out the various lounge rooms, leather sofas and comfortable armchairs, choosing our favourites.

Sunny has never chosen to lie on furniture – he enjoyed the luxury rugs. He sits or lies on a couch only when he needs to for his Therapy Dog work. He understands that people can’t always reach to pat him if he is on the floor.

He still sleeps overnight on his own special pillow near my bed – that’s important to him.

This is our last day, tomorrow we will be driving six hundred kilometres for a short time with our daughter before heading home.

How important it is to realize that, inside, people are all the same, regardless of external glamour or fashionable appearance. Jana is now a friend, and I am not feeling awkward or nervous in her presence. Yes, we are an unlikely pair – but who cares?

Thanks to Sunny, the mixed-breed little rehomed dog who just wants everyone to be happy, everyone was relaxed and friendly, and enjoyed their stay.