Ever since about the time he won Project Runway, Christian has been very vocal about wanting a puppy. So on Saturday we took the 6 train way uptown to 93rd and Lexington to a pet store called “Puppies & Babies” with the goal of finally getting a dog. We have tried several times and it hasn’t worked out, but this place came highly recommended. When we got there and saw how clean and colorful it was – like a baby nursery – we knew we’d find the right puppy to take home. We totally loved a little Chihuahua + Dachsund mix (they call him a “Chiweenie”), and he seemed to love us back, so we got him! We scooped him up, got all the accessories and went in half + half on the bill, so he truly is ours. The people at the puppy store were so nice and helpful, and they gave us so much helpful written info. And of course within 24 hours our puppy had visits from Lisa, Kathy, Sarah, Jamie, Geneva… basically, if you ever want your apartment full of girls in good moods, get a tiny puppy.
We named him Topper, and we are already resigned to having to repeat it two or three times when people ask. I don’t know how people name their human children things like Falcon and Artemisia (those are real people I know). He’s not named after Topper Headon, Topper Mortimer, a Cary Grant movie, or any other Topper. I just like the name, and he’s such a bouncy excitable little turd, it seems to fit. And I think “Topper” is a nice name for a puppy with two daddies. Christian already bought him a Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater and a $500 leather carrying bag. My dog has nicer things than I do.
He’s been whining so much whenever we leave him in his pen and go to the other side of the room; he is after all still just a baby. He was born in October. If you are in sight but not touching him, he whines. All night long, he whines and howls because he thinks his pack is leaving him. We are tired, but it’s worth it. It’s hard not to just grab him and squeeze him and hold on to him 24/7, but we know he has to learn temporary separation and independence. I’m the stern parent. I have to keep telling Christian not to go pick him up until after he stops whining for a while, so that Topper knows it’s not the whining that got him what he wanted. Topper’s already learning that the wee-wee pad is the only place he’s allowed to go to the bathroom. He’s doing well for a baby!
oh my god! he is ABSOLUTELY adorable!!! Congrats you 2 on becoming daddies!
<3,
me! =)
Something tells me this dog will be the best-dressed & well-photographed dog ever. Well… if you’re into dressing dogs.
I’m the stern one as well, and it only gets more difficult as they get older. My wife waffles as soon as our Cockapoo pouts for food, so now he’s ruined. His breath smells like a butt. Don’t let Topper be that guy.
FYI… Puppies & Babies gets their dogs from puppy mills. Just because they are brightly painted doesn’t mean that where the puppies come from is proper. Congrats on supporting puppy mills.
the reason we went there instead of elsewhere is because we were told by multiple people (the store included) that they are NOT from puppy mills but from screened and trusted breeders. p&b in LA is the one that had some accusations, not this one in NY, and i doubt that east and west coast stores get their animals from the same breeders. what is your source of info? link/article, please?
Regardless of where he originated he’s adorable. If these people (p&b) get their dogs from puppy mills the authorities need to handle it, not Brad and his partner. Why make them feel bad when they are so happy? I agree about buying from breeders too but these little dogs need homes even more than purebreds after their rough starts. As long as Topper is a healthy little puppy that’s what matters the most. I’m sure he wanted his new daddies as much as they wanted him. Have him checked out by a vet to make sure. Congrats Brad and Christian on the new baby!
I’d like to see the link to the source of info as well, because if they ARE using puppy mills– action should be taken immediately to make sure the puppy mill is shut down.
Have you tried to do this?
And, let’s be honest, puppy mill dogs need a home too. It is not the dogs fault– it is the sick people who run these mills that are to blame. You should be happy to see that a puppy is no longer in a mill (if that is where he came from), and do your part take action to make sure the person running the mill is stopped.
The puppy is soo cute I so happy that you’ll finally got one. Congrats!!
I’m happy to hear you and Christian have determined who is the good cop and who is the bad cop (joking!). He really is a little bundle of happiness and joy.
Whoa. J’s officially a puppy buzz-kill. I’m thinking we need a support shirt to spread that cause.
grace wants a little dog now because “he is sooooooo cute mommy!”
That dog is so cute that I think my head just exploded.
Cute !
Brad.. I made a mistake, it was the puppies and babies shop in LA… I should have re-checked into that before leaving a comment. I had heard about it in a news special on puppy mills but I must have missed the fact that it was the LA shop. Hopefully the New York one isn’t the same, did they give you the breeder info or where the dog came from?
It is a really cute puppy though.
I still believe in dealing direct with well researched breeders and not buying from pet stores… that is the only real way you can know that a dog doesn’t come from a mill.
Incredibly adorable…and I love the name! I’m so happy for you.
And J….if you know that this store is in fact getting dogs from Puppy Mills, then why not provide some sort of proof with your statement? Otherwise, don’t attempt to destroy a wonderful experience that two people are sharing together with a baseless accusation.
CHIWEENIE is by far the cutest word I’ve heard this decade. He’s adorable, congratulations!
very cute baby!!
I have 2 of my own, and am not ashamed to admit they run circles around me.
It’s hard to say ‘no’ to the cutest puppies in the world- just sayin’
How cute it is !!!!
It is normal that little puppy wining all night when he comes a new place.
My “Flower” made me crazy when she came my home first nigt!
I am sure you will be the most Fabulous dadies !
awwwwwww, i don’t know who is cuter - you or that durn puppy!
oh man. dope ass dog.
Haha, some people are so petty.
Your puppy made my heart hurt.
In a good way [:
OMG. CHIWEENIE. OMG.
I have a 1 year old cream chiweenie- her name is Miss Bentley and I love her so much! She’s very social and loves to give tons of kisses! Things will get easier before you know it. Enjoy the new love of your life!