My story

My name is Sylvie and I'm an 11-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound who lives in Morton Grove (just outside of Chicago).

Papa adopted me from Orphans of the Storm in Riverwoods when I was about 2 years old. He picked me because I was the only dog in the shelter who wasn't barking. When he passed by my pen, I put my paw up on the fence to say hello. He knew right away that I was the dog for him. I've been with Papa now for 9 years, and we've been through a lot together. I always took care of him when he was feeling sad, and he always gives me tummy rubs when I demand them.

Seven years ago, Papa went out of town and left me at my pal Toby's house. Toby's mama had a friend from work over for dinner while I was there, and she was pretty great. I cuddled up next to her on the couch, and then laid my head in her lap and fell asleep (she claims I started snoring, but I doubt that).

Turns out that friend worked with Papa and was friends with him. Six years ago, she came over to Papa's house to hang out as buddies. I recognized her right away and was so excited! I knew this was my chance to get a Mama. I sat between them on the couch and demanded they both rub my tummy. Their hands touched, and they realized they could be more than pals. They got married a year later and then I had a full family.

I met Mama's son when he was 4 years old. He wasn't sure what to think about me in the beginning, so I just sat quietly next to him. After awhile he started to pat me on the head every so often. I always smiled and wagged my tail, and he'd giggle. Now my boy is 9 years old and he loves me so much that he gives me cookies and lets me sleep on his bed.

Life was pretty fabulous until January 5, 2007. For some reason, Mama & Papa decided I needed a friend to play with. And that's the day they brought Mugsy home. I was excited at first, because he was a hound dog like me. But then I realized that he didn't know anything about being a good dog. He did his business all over the floor, and he whined and barked a lot. So embarrassing. It took a lot of hard work, but I've finally taught him how to be a good boy. Don't tell anybody, but now he's my best friend. He even taught me how to twitter (although now I'm much better at it than he is).

Some of my likes include cookies, blankies, tummy rubs, cuddling, and naps. I hate baths and when I hear loud noises like thunder or fireworks I get all shaky and hide in the bathroom. Also, I don't know if I mentioned, but I like cookies.

-SylvieDog

p.s. COOKIES!