Little Henri In The Big City

*This post is from my old SnifferKiss site which I am now merging here~ original date was June 22, 2012*

Quite the little man about town.

I recently returned home to Toronto for a quick visit with my girl Robin who has just upgraded her life in all the best ways.  She is now the proud owner of a beautiful condo with a fantastic view AND she is a brand new mom to Henri James.  He is a handsome 12 week old Border Collie with, what I’m absolutely convinced of- is, the very old soul of a well trained dog from a past life.  You should be so lucky with your new pup…this one sits on command, comes when called and waits for the go-ahead before diving into his food dish.
Even being from Toronto myself- I hadn’t considered, until now, how different it must be to raise a dog in the city. I spent 3 days observing my friend juggle her life of appointments, errands and social commitments all the while taking care of this new babes every need.  The simple act of a first pee of the day, or the frantic race for the after meal puppy poop would be a challenge for anyone from the 18th floor.  I suppose if the wind were in her favour she could pull an MJ with him off the balcony…as long as she put a mask over him first!

"Nice Dog"

Here in my quiet suburban life on Vancouver Island I can run Satchi out to the grassy backyard for a bathroom break or to the most beautiful beaches and lakes in 10 minutes. For my girl in the T-dot (are we still saying that?) she joins the crowds of other pooch loving young adults- singles, couples and dad’s pushing strollers – to cover every inch of green space available with every breed imaginable!  Toronto is dog friendly!

Trinity Bellwoods Park

We quickly discovered that Henri is quite the man about town when we could barely get 5 feet  without being stopped by everyone from hipster to homeless for some fluffy street snuggles. He takes the overwhelming attention like a champ – barely phased with the exception of the late-night moments when greasy bits of pepperoni slide from the slices of drunken clubbers in front of Vinny Massimo’s. It’s a puppy free for all and something that you’d never see happening at 2am on any street in Sidney, BC.  It’s a city dogs life!

Good Night Sweet Prince