We’ve all heard of the proverbial “crazy cat lady.” You know… the supposed spinster who has a house full of cats and has conversations with them. Well, I’m the crazy DOG lady. While I may not be a spinster and I certainly don’t have a house full of dogs, I’m pretty sure I qualify.

Two years ago I decided to get a little furry companion. I lived in an apartment in New York and didn’t have the space for a large dog, so I decided on getting a smaller breed. I grew up with a big dog and have never been a big fan of the little lap dogs; they all seemed to be yip-yappers and ankle-biters. But due to space restrictions and my busy lifestyle it wouldn’t be fair to get a big dog that needed constant exercise.

I decided on a little Long-haired Chihuahua. I named him Banjo. I chose the name because I like Bluegrass music and I love the banjo. At first, the name didn’t fit the puppy but his personality grew into it quite well.

As you know, a dog is a big time and money commitment. Since the hours can often be unpredictable in the news business, I knew I wouldn’t be able to make it home to take my dog out during the day. So I got online and did some research. Low and behold, it turns out they make litter and litter boxes for dogs! I decided to try it out. To my surprise, Banjo caught on within 24 hours of bringing him home. It has been a lifesaver.

There aren’t many places I go without my dog. I keep a bed in the passenger seat of my car for him to ride in when I run errands. If it’s too hot or cold in the car, I put him in a little incognito dog carrier that looks like a purse and take him inside with me.

If the litter box and dog purses don’t qualify me as the crazy dog lady this will… I’m slightly embarrassed to admit it but I do sometimes dress my dog up in little clothes. At first I got him some sweaters to wear in the cold New York winters. I was going to stop there, but I find myself buying dog clothes more often than I’d like to admit. Thankfully the newness wore off and Banjo is clothes-free about 95% of the time now.

I let Banjo do things I swore I’d never let any dog do. I let him sleep in my bed for one. I used to think that was the grossest thing a dog owner could do. I do draw the line at certain things though. I don’t let him give me doggy kisses on the mouth like I’ve seen some pet owners do.

Here are some pictures of my little pooch...

This is especially mean of me, but he just looks so cute. As you can tell, Banjo isn't so sure about his witch hat.

The calmest little Chihuahua you will ever meet.



This is Banjo with his best bud, Ivan, the Great Dane.

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