PET OF THE MONTH

 

Buster is a 10 pound Shitzu Poodle mix.  I found him running behind a jogger in my prior neighborhood.  Since I didn't recognize him, I asked the jogger if he belonged to her, and did she see how far behind he was lagging?  She said no, but that he had been following her for several blocks.

 

I took him home, put up 6 posters in the neighborhood, but never got a call.  He did not have a collar and was not chipped.  The Veterinarian thought Buster was around a year and a half.

 

We already had 2 English Springer Spaniels, but decided to keep him.  In the beginning he thought he was in charge, but our Springer male thought differently.  Thus, we named him Buster.

 

Buster is now about fourteen and a half. He has been a loyal and spunky addition to our house.  Buster is old, almost deaf and almost blind from cataracts.  All these ailments aside, he still wags his tail and licks his lips when he goes on car rides.  Buster is happy and content, and in his old age we care for him like a new baby.    

 

You will see me, Buster's Mom walking him or pushing him in his stroller on Harbor Town & Hilton Head.

 

 

We now hug him, hold him and enjoy our time with man's best friend!  Buster has earned it.  

 

Meet Birdie!  Birdie is our sweet and spirited Bernedoodle who truly believes every day - and every neighbor - is a gift.  She starts each morning with her most important job:  waking up the kids with tail wags, kisses, and boundless optimism.  Once her family is up and moving, she proudly takes on her next role as a trusted and very enthusiastic carpool rider, happily supervising the school commute from her favorite window.  Birdie loves daily walks around the neighborhood, greeting everyone she meets with gentle excitement and fluffy charm. One of her greatest joys is racing over to Grandma & Grandpa's house-conveniently just down the street - where she is guaranteed extra cuddles and maybe a secret treat or two.  When she's not following her mom or snuggling on the couch, she can usually be found in the backyard keeping a close eye on her family as they fish - or hopping into the pool for a swim, but only if the kids are in the water too.  And because Birdie never wants to miss a moment of love, she has one very important rule:  if hugs are happening, she must be included.  In Birdie's world, hugs are for everyone.  She's a loyal, loving and always on duty.  Birdie is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community - feel free to say hi when you see her wagging her tail way down the street!

Meet Elva Mae and Sue Holland!  Elva Mae is a four-year-old golden retriever and working dog.  Elva was trained so she could visit the memory care center when my husband had Alzheimer's.  Since she was four months, Elva has loved working with the residents.

One day, a resident named Tim was near the end of life.  Elva gently climbed onto his bed without stepping on him, snuggled close, and stayed by his side.  Tim, who had Parkinson's visibly relaxed, smiled and became peaceful.  His family later told me it was a comfort they would never forget.  Tim's family gave me permission to share this story because it meant so much to them.  

Elva Mae loves parties!  Maybe you can meet her sometime.  

Meet Cookie!   Cookie was a puppy when she was rescued from a ranch in Greenville, Texas, where she was found stuck in a cattleguard. She is a delicious mix of Border Collie, Poodle and Golden Retriever with a touch of Mini Aussie. 

 

Cookie belongs to Kaye and Darren, and has been in their family for one year this spring, happily living with their two cats Socks and Juno.  Cookie looks forward to her morning walks through the BTN neighborhood, especially when she sees her two and four-legged friends.  We'll see you around!

Meet Merlin, a bi-color Persian, who has ruled the Harris-Walter household for five years. Doted on by his hooman staff, Merlin came to them when he was only nine weeks old, and has grown up thinking he rules his world, which he does. Merlin loves traveling, treats and especially his backyard.  He likes to go Lowes and the various pets stores.  Merlin also likes to go to Akumal,Mexico with his hoomans and chill on his beach.  Most of all, Merlin loves roaming his Dallas back yard (which is completely safe), climbing his big oak tree to look over the fence and see the rest of the world.

Otto Withrow, a Swedish Vallhund, was adopted as a 3 year old by Barton and Susan Withrow the week before the Covid shut down. Swedish Vallhunds are a very old breed originating about 900 years ago used by the Vikings as herding dogs.  Almost disappearing, the breed was reestablished in the 1940’s by Swedish dog breeders.  Otto, bred as a show dog, whose owner unfortunately passed away, went to live on another breeder’s farm.  After Barton and Susan’s beloved Max, a Boston Terrier, passed away, they met Otto and they all fell mutually in love.  Today Otto loves getting all the attention in Barton and Susan’s empty nester household. 

Meet Ziggy Stardust, belonging to Susan, loves children and walking the neighborhood.  He and his parent lives on Hiltonhead so can often be seen in Phase 1 of BTN.   Meet him!