June 10, 2004

Pet of the Week: Lady

When Debbie Wagner brought her three girls to Andy’s Pet Shop on the Alameda 10 years ago to look at the animals, she told them: “We’re not getting a dog.” But that was before the family saw a cocker spaniel Pomeranian mix who was the runt of the litter. Large brown soulful eyes stared up from the brood of eight and it was love at first sight. The puppy went home with them that day. The children, 8-year-old Allie and 6-year-old twins Lindsey and Jennifer, immediately named the red furred canine Lady, after their favorite animated movie, “Lady and the Tramp.”

From that first day, Lady, or Lady Bug, Bugster or The Bug, has had the run of the house where she charms the family with a special penchant for Wagner’s husband, Bob.

“I think it’s because he pays more attention to her,” Wagner said petting the lovable pooch. “And she doesn’t like it when he pays more attention to me than to her.”

Perhaps Lady charms him by still acting like a puppy. She’ll lie down, roll over and even dance on her hind legs. Or maybe it’s because everyone on the street loves her and she is one of the most popular dogs on the street.
Once she escaped out of an unseen hole in the Wagner’s backyard. They looked high and low for her calling “Lady, Bugster, come!” but to no avail. They drove the car canvassing the neighborhood but their beloved canine could not be found. After hours, they heard the jingle of her dog tags up the street, and there she was. She must have heard them but Lady ignored the calls for her. Or maybe she was just taking a snooze.

“I burst into tears,” Wagner said reminiscing. “I was so happy she was back.”

When Lady is not playing hide and seek, she loves to chase birds, never catching them, just enjoying the chase. She’s fond of family holidays at the beach, but don’t bring any other dogs. Lady likes to be the center of attention.

“There were other dogs there once and Lady became exhausted, tired, almost depressed,” Wagner shared.

Even Wagner’s father-in-law has a special place in his heart for Lady.

“He says ‘she is the smartest dog ever.’” Wagner laughed.

And she must be. Wagner’s in-laws have taken the 22-pound canine on vacations with them. How many dogs go on vacation without their extended families? Lady fits right in and charms the socks off them.
Speaking of socks, they are one of Lady’s favorite play things preferring them over the stuffed toys the Wagner’s purchase for her. And she favors the ones already worn.

The Wagners live near many of Almaden’s trails and take advantage of the nature hikes bringing their Lady. One time she barked and jumped and there was a rattlesnake coiled ready to strike. Bob called “Lady, stop.” She did and was rescued from a nasty bite. Now she stays close to her family when they visit Coyote Creek Trail or Quicksilver Park.

The girls are 18- and 16-years-old now, but there is a special place for the little runt of the litter they saw at the pet store window. And Lady’s happy about the family she chose, though deciding which bed to sleep in can be difficult because Lady loves everyone.

—By Jeanne C. Lewis

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