Name

Remy. He is named after the rat in ratatouille, because he’s a French bulldog and needed a French name according to my kids. My son is a chef and chose the rat chef to name our dog after.

Nicknames: what do you call him when no one’s listening?

Moofus, ding dong, or Stinky Boi

Age and breed: tell us about his unique mix or lineage.

He’s a 3 year old purebred Frenchie. He was born in Hungary and is Registered with the Russian Kennel Club as a purebred. Hungarian Frenchies tend to be a little larger, and have wiry fur and a longer snout. Remy’s ears never stood up so he’s largely unrecognizable as a Frenchie unless he tips his head up to look at you while he’s sitting. 

How did you meet? What’s the story of how you found each other?

We’ve always had rescue dogs but when our beagle mix passed away, I got it in my head I wanted a Frenchie. I found his litter on Kijiji. 

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Favourite quirk: what’s one thing he does that makes you smile every time?

Frenchies like to lie down with their back legs splayed in a sploot so they look like superman. Whenever he goes from standing to big stretch to sploot, it makes me laugh. He also smiles a lot. He’s just such a cheerful guy, it’s hard not to smile when he’s smiling first!

Daily rituals: what’s your pet’s favourite part of the day?

Couch cuddles. He loves a couch cuddle with coffee in the morning, and with anyone who sits on the couch at any time of day. 

Guilty pleasure: what’s the one thing he loves that they probably shouldn’t have?

Cheese. He has Celiac disease and can’t eat most foods. Frenchies are known for being gassy, but he takes it to a whole other level, especially when he eats cheese. But it’s his favourite and he will do anything for cheese so I can’t say no. 

Life lesson they teach you: what wisdom has your pet brought into your life?

He appreciates simple things; quality time, a walk, couch cuddles, car rides. His joy at being with us reminds me to appreciate these things too. 

Most memorable adventure: what’s the most fun you’ve had together?

I love to force Remy to paddleboard with me. He puts up with it, and even has his own life jacket with a shark fin on it. One day my best friend, my youngest daughter and I took him via paddle board to a small island and we explored together. He ate a bunch of wild onions and threw up but he was in absolute heaven. He loves exploring.

Secret talent: is there something unexpected or surprising he can do?

He is a natural therapist and so good at matching the energy of the people he’s with. He loves kids and the smaller they are, the more gentle he is. But overall if you’re having a bad day, he knows it and won’t leave your side. 

What do you admire most about him? 

His optimistic outlook

Pet peeves: what’s something that always gets under his fur?

That the mail carrier dares to exist. 

Favourite way to relax together 

Hiking in the forest, especially if we wind up at the water. He won’t swim though, just chases the waves. 

If your pet had a theme song, what would it be? 

“Happy Dawg”

If he could speak, what would his catchphrase be? 

“I love you!! You’re my favourite!” To anyone that crosses his path. 

What’s his biggest fear or phobia?

The stairs down to our basement. For some reason he hates these stairs and shakes when we open the door to the basement. If you go to pick him up while this door is open, he runs away. 

If he could change one thing about his human, what would it be? 

That I would never go to work

What’s one thing he can’t stand about house rules? Something he would change if he were in charge.

That he’s not allowed to eat cat food. (It’s not celiac friendly, plus it isn’t his)

What’s his most human-like quality? 

His smile.

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