People & Their Pets VI
Dave Barry
Dave Barry, who resides in Miami, is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American author and columnist, who wrote a nationally syndicated humor column for The Miami Herald from 1983 to 2005. He has also written numerous books of humor and pardoy, as well as comedic novels. Dave has had dogs named Earnest, Zippy, and now Lucy. All are mentioned regularly in Barry’s columns.
Dave, thank you so much for taking the time for this interview today. I was so happy to learn recently that you adopted a Paws 4 You Rescue dog. I understand you have a wonderful Lab/Boxer mix named Lucy. How did Lucy and you get together? What was it about Lucy that caught your attention? We got Lucy because of our daughter, Sophie, who was then eight years old and who had, after roughly five years of trying, managed to persuade my wife, Michelle, to let us get a dog. We went to some Internet adoption sites, and saw many cute puppies, but Sophie kept going back to this picture of this one dog. It was not a great picture — Lucy is black, so all you really could see were her eyes. But the description said she “couldn’t be any sweeter”. Sophie wasn’t interested in puppies: she wanted this sweet dog. So we arranged to meet Lucy, and sure enough, she could not have been any sweeter. The woman who set the meeting up for us told us that it was more difficult to get black dogs adopted. But we couldn’t have gotten a better dog.
As a very successful columnist and author of multiple books, you must be on tour frequently. Does Lucy come with you on tour or does she prefer to stay at home? I’m sure Lucy would love to go on a book tour, because she loves people. But she stays home and keeps my family company.
How has Lucy blended into your lifestyle? What are some of your favorite things to do together? Lucy has become an important part of our lives. When we wake up, she’s right outside our door, ready to start the day. She rides with us when we take Sophie to school, and she’s in our office all day while Michelle and I are writing. We take her for a two-mile run every day, and she LOVES that, especially when we meet other dogs. She has quite a few friends in the neighborhood. She enthusiastically greets everybody who comes to the door.
In the evening, she comes to whatever room the family is in and hangs out with us. She’s just wonderful company. My wife, who was never a dog person, and never had any pets, has reached the point where she can’t imagine life without this loving, enthusiastic, and sometimes very funny animal.
If you could adopt one characteristic of your Lab, which would it be and why? Her affection! She really, really loves being around people — all people
About Paws 4 You Rescue
Paws 4 You Rescue is a Miami-based non-profit 501(c)3, all volunteer, donor-subsidized animal rescue organization. Its top priority is to save animals from euthanasia at Miami-Dade Animal Services.
Rescued animals vary from being sick, injured, homeless and surrendered to simply lost. All animals are sterilized, vaccinated and ID micro-chipped to prevent future loss. Some require major surgery from a specialist to repair broken limbs while others may need additional rehabilitation time and specific medical care – ranging from respiratory illnesses and skin infections to cherry eyes and heartworm treatments.
Paws 4 You offers programs for adoption, fostering and senior citizens. Paws 4 You supports its mission by hosting numerous fundraising events throughout the year and through community donations.
Please visit www.paws4you.org for current information and additional details.
