Vanessa Rogers on Fur Baby Love, Fresh Sheets & Her Inappropriate Dog-Walking Outfits

We’re thrilled to share this special Q&A with Vanessa Rogers, a longtime friend of Verse Fine Jewellery and mother to one charming golden retriever , Humphrey. Based in Sydney and working in property development, Vanessa lets us into her daily life — one full of dog-friendly cafes, indulgent beauty rituals, tennis balls, and white denim walks by the beach.

Name: Vanessa Rogers
Date of Birth: 9 February 1977
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Occupation: Property Development

What do you love about being a mother to your fur baby Humphrey?
I could be away for a whole day or just a minute and he’s still bursting with love and excitement to see me. His personality and mannerisms are split so perfectly between me and his Daddy that it feels like we somehow actually share the same genes.

What made you decide to get a dog?
We had moved into a house which was about to be completely renovated, so it was the perfect time for a puppy to kick off the demolition engineering.

Why did you call him Humphrey?
We named him after Humphrey Bogart. It was fitting because he loves a good drink — but bone broth, not whisky. That would have been a much cooler anecdote.

What are your favourite dog-friendly parks for walkies?
Humphrey has been frequenting the Royal Hospital for Women Dog Park in Paddington since he was a puppy. He acts like he owns the place.

What are Humphrey’s favourite toys?
He loves all his toys but gives special attention to his elephant, octopus, and chicken – respectively named Elefante De La Cruz, Polpo, and Poulet. We also never leave home without a tennis ball.

Where are your favourite places to go with your fur baby in Sydney?
Humphrey’s first-ever outing was to our local café, Paddington Alimentari, and he’s now a well-known regular. He’s also a keen swimmer and bodysurfer, so we love The Spit in Mosman and Putty Beach in Killcare. One of our favourite restaurants, Franca, lets you dine inside with your dog while you sneak pieces of steak to him under the table.

Where’s Humphrey’s favourite spot at home?
On our bed, especially when there are fresh sheets — and the Minotti sofas when we’re not looking.

Where do you get Humphrey groomed?
Humphrey self-grooms as he hates being dirty, but when he starts smelling like old seaweed we wash him at the Crystal Dog Wash Station and have our car cleaned at the same time.

Where is your favourite place to vacation with Humphrey?
Anywhere there’s a beautiful house on a beach. We love staying in spectacular houses in Killcare, Gerroa, and the Mornington Peninsula.

What are your go-to beauty products and any favourite brands?
At any given time you can be assured of at least four layers of serums, creams and makeup on my face. I love Tatcha’s Water Cream for day and Medik8 r-Retinoate Intense Cream at night. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, and blushes by Nars are essentials. Otherwise, people start to ask me if I’m unwell.

How do you manage to stay in shape?
If only walking Humphrey twice a day was enough... but sadly it is not. I go to Flow Athletic for MetCon and Reformer Pilates, which have really helped me become stronger and healthier. I’d look even better if I could give up eating hot chips.

What is your signature style when walking Humphrey?
I’m usually wearing inappropriate dog-walking clothes like white jeans or long linen dresses with gold jewellery and white sneakers. My wardrobe isn’t separated into categories, so I’ll wear the same pieces to work, to dinner, on weekends, or to take Humphrey out for a wee. I shop online at Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi and Matches, with some Zara thrown in. I adore heels but they’re not ideal with Humphrey’s surprise bird-lunging, so I’ve developed an appreciation for Common Projects sneakers. And I always carry a Gucci or Saint Laurent crossbody to hold the essential poo bags, treat bribes and tennis ball.

Vanessa wears One Letter and Heart Necklace here 

Film photography: Emily (7)