JoJo And Hugo
Jojo and Hugo came to us this past fall after being fostered by Bonnie Kelleher in NY. While their past life at Southside was probably not the best (certainly at least not for Hugo) I decided to set the past aside and focus on the now and how their lives have changed. While they have adjusted very well, there were some bumps in the road along the way. But in the end they have adapted to home life very well and are enjoying a companion dog’s life and in a loving home. We have had V’s for going on 30 years, with Jojo and Hugo being numbers 7 and 8. Of the 8, the last 5 have been rescued or re-homed dogs. We now have our almost 14 year old guy Zookie who we took in from the Central New England program almost 10 years ago, so there was a matter of introduction and getting along with Zook.
While we had a curve thrown at us there early on, we were able to work it through and they get along very well. When they were pulled from the kennel, Bonnie saw that they obviously knew one another and during their time with her, she noticed Hugo was very attached to Jojo. Stephanie’s hope was to keep them together as a pair. Over the time we have had them, we went back and forth on how strong the bond was and who was to whom. In the end, the bond is actually very strong between BOTH of them. Hugo may be more attached to Jojo, but Jojo definitely has a bond with Hugo as well. Jojo is a VERY active, sweet, affectionate 9 year old. She has boundless energy and acts half her age. Her affection like many V’s can sometimes border on needy, but she is an incredibly sweet dog. She gets along well with other dogs and Zookie. She loves people, and children and is so gentle with them. She is a hugger and loves pats, belly rubs and all the attention she can steal. She has a strong prey drive which was a problem early on with our cat Toshi, but she has learned and now gets along and lives side by side with the black cat now! The cat has recently come to find one of the dog beds rather comfy! She is also smart as a whip and learns fast. We are improving on her name recognition and hope to be off lead soon. She loves her walks, chasing balls, and of course tormenting the squirrels and chipmunks. And by the way, she has bagged chipmunks and mice and has come VERY close to getting a squirrel so they know she is not to be messed with!
She hates the cold and would rather curl up on the couch or bed on a cold day and get belly rubs. But she will rise to the occasion if she sees it’s walk time! Hugo is a gentlemanly 12/13 year old guy who has a very easy going, sweet personality. He is the easier going one, and has quite a personality. He has a nose like a bear and if Jojo or anyone for that matter, is not to be seen he will sniff them out! He has the neatest / cute Raar Raar Raar when he wants something, feels is should be dinner or breakfast time, and while we are getting meals ready. He loves to follow Jojo and now even Zook around, will play with the balls, barks at the mice in the wood piles, and will lumber back at the squirrels and chippies. He is not as outwardly affectionate as Jojo, but like most V’s he just loves to be with you, and loves to curl up next to you on the couch, and of course run to greet you with tail wagging and nose in your face when you have been gone for 10 minutes or more! He is a food monger and if he smells food, that bear like nose of his will be wandering near you , so food is still a work in process but much improved. He loves people and is also very gentile with children. He is strong as an Ox for a 12 year old and has his moments of energetic play.
Hugo LOVES to veg. In the nicer weather he LOVES to be outside. You will find him lying in the sun or in the screen porch on the settee if it’s too hot in the sun. He also enjoys being a “helper” when working outside! In the colder weather he will find a comfy spot on either the couch, or any number of dog beds, or even a human bed. He loves his walks, wants to greet the other dogs and people on the trail. But mostly he wants to do his job with that nose down. Like Jojo he is not crazy about the cold or rain, but does enjoy his winter walks with a cozy Jacket on.
We’ve had a spot for seniors in our hearts for some time. We have adopted 2 other older dogs. Luci (aka Luci Bear) and Cooper(aka Coopie) when they were 7. Sadly, they passed during their 13th year. But while we may not have as much time with Jojo and Hugo, we will enjoy the time we have with them, and let them enjoy their last years in a loving caring home.
Ken and Gail Condon