Charlie is a teacup poodle weighing just four pounds, but full of character and lucky enough to follow Jocelyne Cazin wherever she goes. Tiny, but alive!
1. What is the reason that led you to have this dog?
I was looking for a “two legged” as a companion, but since I couldn’t find it, so I took a “four legged”! (Laughs) I adopted him over the internet while I was in Florida. I fell in love with Charlie as soon as I saw the first picture of him. I had been recommended this breeder, Paradise Ti-Pitou. So I went to pick it up on April 9, 2019, in the middle of a storm. He will be four years old on November 24.
2. Why did you choose this name?
It’s a tribute to Charlie Hebdobeing myself a journalist.
3. Are you more “cat” or “dog” and why?
More dog. I had my first dog in 1970. A mix of Saint Bernard and Great Dane. We were pretty far from Charlie! (Laughs) Then I had two huskies, Amour and Neige. I had cats too for years. I eventually became allergic to animals. But a few years ago, when I went to visit a friend who had a Miniature Poodle, I realized that I was okay again.
4. How would you describe Charlie’s personality?
He has a nice personality. He is not innocent, rather brilliant. He’s not a trinket dog. He has character and does not allow himself to be imposed. He is not afraid of big dogs. In fact, he fears no one! He is extremely social. Every time he sees a child, he becomes so happy. It’s as if he saw Santa Claus!
5. Tell us an unusual fact about him.
I went to the Naples Zoo in Florida with Charlie and the lions took an interest in him behind the window. It looked like they wanted to jump on him and take a bite out of him, but so did Charlie! It was rather unusual to see a small four-pound dog standing in front of these behemoths.
6. What is his favorite activity?
Play throwing the ball. He is tireless and can play for an hour. He is not restful. It blows me away!
7. What do you wish you had known before you got it?
He had several baby teeth that did not fall out despite growing adult teeth. It had to be extracted. Since then, he seems to have a crooked mouth, a bit like Jean Chrétien, when he opens it. It gives him a little imperfect gender, like me! (Laughs)
8. Like Master, Like Animal
People say Charlie and I look alike because we’re both blond and curly. He is also very social and curious, like me. He would have made a good journalist!
9. Who takes care of your pet when you leave?
In fact, he comes everywhere with me. He often comes to golf with me and stays quietly in his bag placed in the cart. He travels with me by plane and I must say that he is exceptional. I put it in my travel bag and place it under the seat and it doesn’t flinch. Recently, I gave a conference in Gaspésie and I had it with me. He was in his bag and was quiet the whole time. Honestly and quite frankly, if it weren’t for the fact that bigger dogs have to travel in the baggage compartment, I would have gotten a bigger dog, golden-doodle type or a poodle. Besides, Charlie howls at the moon when he’s alone, so if I have to leave without him, my best friend will babysit him. It’s a privilege to have it!
10. Tell us a funny fact about him.
He watches me carefully when I do my lengths in the pool. His head goes from right to left and he follows me with his gaze.
