Welcome to this interview with dog mom Nadia Bruce-Rawlings. Today, we have the pleasure of talking with Nadia about her beloved dog, Carlos. Nadia is a devoted dog parent and has had Carlos as part of her family for several years. Carlos is not just any dog – he holds a special place in Nadia’s heart and has been a source of joy and companionship for her. Throughout this interview, we’ll learn about Carlos’s unique personality, his favorite activities, and the special bond that he and Nadia share. So, let’s dive in and get to know more about Carlos and his wonderful mom Nadia.
HEY NADIA, WELCOME TO DOGOPPO. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A DOG PARENT?
I grew up with dogs and have always loved them, but rescuing Carlos was special! It was the day after a big tornado on Nashville, and I was just online browsing the Internet. I came across a dog rescue site and a photo of Carlos, and I immediately feel in love. My daughter and I went and met him, and I adopted him right away! He just had a special something.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR DOG AND HIS/HER PERSONALITY?
Carlos is hilarious and also a bit of a brat. He likes to jump on me and hit me with his paws when he wants a treat. And despite being about 11 years old, he still chases squirrels all day and does zoomies when he’s happy. He loves to snuggle and to dig at his bed.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR DOG’S NAME?
He came from that rescue with that name. Sometimes when he’s being silly we call him Carl.
WHAT’S THE MOST MISCHIEVOUS THING YOUR DOG HAS EVER DONE?
Honestly he’s not very mischievous, with one exception: he loves to sit in your place if you get up for a moment, and then make himself weigh 500lbs so you can’t move him! And he just looks at you like “What!?” But he knows what he’s doing!!
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TREAT?
He loves all treats but had pancreatitis last year so we have to be careful. He gets to choose between a simple small milk one and Luvsome dental chews…he usually chooses the Luvsome!
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL MOMENT YOU’VE SHARED WITH YOUR DOG?
I recently had my hip replaced, and Carlos sat on my surgical site non-stop for 3-4 weeks. He normally sits very near me, usually touching me, but rarely on me. But while I was healing he wanted to make sure I was ok!
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TOY? WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BEING A DOG PARENT?
He doesn’t really play with toys anymore. He has a little green monkey he throws around very rarely that is so cute.
I think the most challenging thing about being a dog parent is getting him taken care of when we travel. It definitely takes some planning!
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY AND HAPPY?
We try to walk him a lot, and give him lots of love, and no human food!
HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A DOG PARENT?
Being a dog parent runs a close second to being a parent, but since ours are all grown up now, having a dog helps me share my love.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S CONSIDERING BECOMING A DOG PARENT?
The best advice is to make sure you have time for them and are willing to devote your love to them. And can afford vet bills etc!
