Welcome to the Windy City Times pet section. This section will run on the 2nd and 4th weeks of every month. We are hoping to make this a fun and informative place to visit.
For me to be writing anything in a pet column is about the oddest turn my life has taken. I was the ( only? ) anti-pet lesbian I had ever met. No, don't revoke my gay card just yet. I've never had a pet other than fish ( named Rob & Laura ) and never imagined having one dog, let alone two! I fought my partner on the idea of getting a dog for a number of years. She must have every stuffed animal dog that was ever made by now.
Then we got Topo Gigio, our diva princess. Topo is a long hair miniature dachshund that rules our home. All my rules quickly went out the window when she arrived. Yes, she has toys all over the place; yes, she gets to come up on the couch; and yes, she sleeps in our bed. And no, I wouldn't have it any other way.
When Topo was about 1 year old, we decided she needed someone to play with other than me. ( I work from home. ) We found Bowie on a rescue site and applied to adopt him. After a week of me panicking about being allowed to adopt as same sex partners ( after all Bush is still the president ) , we were given the OK and went to the wilds of Ohio to pick him up. Topo was stunned that she was no longer an only child.
Bowie is the sweetest dog, proving there are many great dogs waiting to be adopted. We try and teach him to not pick up Topo's bad habits. He has learned to follow her lead and yet still be a good boy. They are now great buddies; she even lets him spoon her.
Don't worry, this column will not be all about my dogs ( not that there's anything wrong with that ) . We will also keep you informed on the latest pet foods, toys, couture and pet events around town. Topo will occasionally be picking a pet of the month, too, so send in your favorite pictures to WCTpets@aol.com .
