A key member of the team is ten-year-old Edi – a rescue dog from a shelter in Spain. “He’s a cross between a German Shepherd and a Labrador,” says Kaz. “He’s energetic, curious, very fit, and the best companion for outdoor adventures. He’s a motivator to get outside, even on rainy days, and he always reminds me to live in the moment.”

For Kaz and his wife, Mechteld, taking Edi out in their Mazda CX-60 “brings an incredible sense of grounding and joy, especially during stressful times. Outdoor activities provide an escape and a connection with nature that I love to share.”

The couple’s passion for Mazda, Kaz reminisces, “started with my granddad’s 1984 Mazda 323 and his classic 323, which I absolutely loved,” and has since seen them take the CX-60 on a range of adventures with Edi. “The 1,500W outlet in the trunk is a game-changer for road trips,” Kaz says. “It’s perfect for charging devices or even small appliances, like an SUP pump. The spacious interior easily accommodates Edi and gear, and I also had a roof-top tent on top of it.” Together, he says, “we’ve explored diverse landscapes – from hiking trails in the Alps to beach walks in the Netherlands. Edi loves every moment and it’s amazing to see his enthusiasm for new places.”

As for her six-figure audience, they’re “a huge community of likeminded people [who offer] an overwhelming amount of support,” she says. And, when she’s not making watchable content for her subscriber base, Taylor enjoys getting behind the wheel of her new Mazda CX-90, which offers plenty of room for her dogs during long road trips.

When the Texan sun gets too hot, the CX-90’s three-zone climate control and air-conditioning features help keep Teddy, Max, Callie, and Maya cool, even when the engine’s turned off, thanks to the MyMazda app. “It enables me to keep the dogs in the car while keeping it running, so they can have AC in hot weather, which is essential,” Taylor explains. As for the rest of the vehicle, “there’s enough space for all of them,” she says, “especially when I fold down the back seats and cover the space with blankets.”

Vanessa was determined to “continue driving the same model” as soon as she touched down in Australia: “The day after I landed in Sydney, I took a taxi to pick up my brand-new Mazda CX-5.” For Vanessa and Shadow, the CX-5 not only offered familiarity in a new place, but also a sense of safety. “Being a transport engineer, I’m always reminded of how important safety is on the road,” she explains. “So if I can provide myself and Shadow with a safe car, it means I’ve done everything I can control.”

Vanessa also creates lifestyle content on YouTube and Instagram, sharing her experiences with Shadow in Sydney with her loyal audience. “For me, it’s about staying authentic and sharing the highs and lows of life with Shadow,” she says. “Whether it’s capturing his goofy antics, our daily routines, or moments of training and bonding, I love giving people an honest look at what it’s like to own a German Shepherd. Viewers often share how Shadow’s personality brightens their day.”

So what’s next for the duo? “I’m currently planning a road trip with Shadow in our Mazda,” says Vanessa. “Travelling with him is always an adventure, and I’m excited to hit the road and create more memories with him while exploring New South Wales.”

For many Mazda owners like Kaz, Taylor, and Vanessa, their pets aren’t just companions – they’re integral to their daily lives and adventures. Whether it’s a road trip or simply a hop across town, the bond between dog and driver enhances the joy of every journey. Just as Mazda aims to enrich the driving experience, so dogs enrich the lives of their owners, one wag at a time.