Arnold Schwarzenegger is disclosing the unique moniker his grandchildren use to address him.
The actor, 76, spoke up to PEOPLE about what his two grandchildren call him during an interview for his new motivational book, Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life, which will be released on October 10. Schwarzenegger is a grandparent to Lyla Maria, 3, and Eloise Christina, 16 months, who belong to his daughter Katherine.
When asked what he calls his grandchildren, the former governor of California replies, “Opa,” which is German for grandfather.
He tells PEOPLE that it is “just such a fun thing to do” since he “didn’t know how good I could be [at being a grandfather] but I’ve got the animals so it’s an easy thing.”
When Katherine and her girls arrive, Schwarzenegger claims, “Lyla would ask, ‘Where’s Cherry?'” That is my miniature puppy. Cherry is waiting for you, I say. Mommy, can we visit Opa and Cherry tomorrow? “Sure, we can,” she replied. They approach and call out, “Cherry, Cherry, Cherry,” as she holds Cherry on her lap.
Schwarzenegger keeps a variety of animals at his house, including Cherry and Schnelly the pet pig, Whiskey the small horse, and Lulu the little donkey.
The pleased grandfather continues, “I then bring the pig around, and she enjoys the pig and feeds the pig. “After that, I asked, “Do you want to come out? Let’s head outside to the stable to check out the horses. Okay, grab my hand as we proceed outside to the fields where she visits the horses in the stables.
Along with their love of animals, the grandfather and granddaughter pair also like the cookies he bakes for his horses and dogs. “Lyla used to go and ask, ‘Can I have a cookie?'” However, these aren’t your typical chocolate chip cookies. In reference to his two horses, Lulu and Whiskey, he tells PEOPLE that it is their favorite cookie.
It’s a particular oatmeal recipe, then. There is only honey in it; no sugar. And we just make them for the dogs and horses that we also adore, he adds.
Schwarzenegger has already spoken publicly about his granddaughter’s affinity for his pets. Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted that he had no idea his grandchildren would carry on his love of animals while he was speaking at An Evening with Arnold Schwarzenegger in June.
Since I grew up on a farm in Austria and have always loved animals, I never imagined this would be the additional kind of delight they experience, the man stated.
But, he said, “I mean, my grandkids really loved it.” And it provides me with yet another opportunity to invite them over frequently. Having them have fun, then feeding them.”