Paws, Pets & Metal is Metal Insider’s ongoing column on bands with pets, discovering who watches them on the road, and more. Get to know more about these metal furbabies. We caught up with Montreal’s Chüzo as they reveal their dog prefers to listen to Gojira.
Tell us more about your pet(s) and their names?
I have a West Highland White Terrier—better known as a “Westie”—named Terry. She’s a female, born in 2018 in Saint Petersburg (formerly Leningrad). Like most Westies, she’s small but incredibly sturdy, with a bold personality. Known for her distinctive white coat and friendly, fearless nature, she has all the tenacity of her Scottish hunting-dog lineage.
Have you ever taken your pet on tour?
Not on a full tour—yet! But Terry is game for any adventure, whether it’s a road trip, a flight, or a boat ride. We’ve traveled across cities and continents together, though the move to Canada was a real test. She even had to shed a few grams to meet the airline’s cabin weight limit. Once here, she quickly learned to restrain herself from chasing Canada’s backyard wildlife—squirrels, marmots, skunks, you name it. And of course, she’s picked up a few “barks” in French!
Who looks after your pet while on the road?
Terry’s social and adaptable, so she can stay with just about any friend when I’m away. That said, she’s clever and a bit mischievous—she’ll push the limits of what’s allowed. I usually come back to find she’s been spoiled, sleeping smack in the middle of the bed and maybe a tad heavier from the extra treats.
What’s your pet’s favorite song or album?
Ozzy Osbourne’s “Bark at the Moon” might seem fitting, but Terry’s actual taste leans toward downtuned guitars and quick octave transitions. She perks up to tracks like Gojira’s Stranded or The Brutalator from Chüzo’s latest EP. Something about those riffs really speaks to her—she’ll wake up and let out a cautious growl, as if she understands the language of metal.
How did you introduce your pet to metal?
Terry’s naturally down for anything, so she was bound to pick up on metal at some point. Recording demos in my home studio meant she was exposed early on—not just as a listener but as part of the process. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few growls of hers made it into the mix!
What animal charity means most to you?
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry said it best: “We are responsible for those we have tamed.” I believe it’s crucial to give them the best life possible and do everything we can to reduce the negative impact humans have had.
