Hi Neighbor!

There’s no question our dog is a beloved member of our family. Five years ago, my husband and I were newly married and freshly transplanted from NYC to San Francisco. Although we had plans to enjoy our responsibility-free newlywed life a bit longer, we were put on a short list for a Eurasier puppy (my husband’s dream dog) and, just two months after becoming Mr. and Mrs., we found ourselves also becoming new dog parents.
Anyone who has ever had a puppy knows it is an all-consuming activity, but we were head over heels in love with our furball: Reilly. Thankfully, San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area are filled with dog-friendly activities so we took him just about everywhere with us: hiking around Marin, oysters in Tomales Bay, wine tasting in Napa and skiing in Tahoe. Some would call him a faithful companion…but he soon morphed into something more.

You see, he was a VERY cute puppy. Like, out of a Disney movie kinda cute. We would get stopped everywhere – so much so, that he started to respond to the audible gasps and understood that the word “handsome” meant him. Over the years, our owner to dog balance of power started to shift as Reilly’s confidence and star power grew.
A colleague of mine recently commented that the Eurasier breed was known to be very intelligent. They are, I replied – but, he’s not interested in tricks; he more so considers himself an equal member of our household. Interested in putting on a pair of socks? Not without offering him one first (and he requires a first look at all clean laundry). Finished with dinner? Better make sure he’s offered some leftovers or he’ll come find you and drag you back. Want to take a walk? Be prepared to take frequent breaks because he thinks every passing car, human and animal are all interested in meeting him. Offering your spouse a hug or a kiss? Think again ma’am – he’ll slap your knees from behind until you loop him in. Ready for bed? He’ll come snuggle but only after a minimum of 12-13 minutes of solid neck scratching.

I know, I know – these aren’t examples of good behavior at all but what can I say: this dog rules and we really wouldn’t have it any other way.

Cheers!
Marisa