Meet our May Pet of The Month, Charlie. Charlie lives with Ed who was nice enough to tell us a little about her.  

What kind of dog and how old is Charlie?

Charlie is a Barbet, which is also known as a French Water Dog.  She is 2 years old. 

How has your Noe Valley life changed since getting a puppy?

Charlie is my second dog since I moved to Noe Valley in 2001.  I was dog-less for a couple of years after my prior dog passed away.  It’s great having a dog again.  I feel like more a member of the community when I have a dog.  I get to know my neighbors while out for walks together and spend more time in the neighborhood. 

Do you find it easy to have a dog in Noe Valley?

Noe Valley is a great place to have a dog.  Good dog parks, great dog stores and dog friendly restaurants.  Plus loads of other dogs around the neighborhood always willing to say hi and play with Charlie on the street. 

How does Charlie resemble her name in character and/or physical appearance?

I named Charlie, in part, after the perfume my mother wore when I was growing up.  I have always remembered the jingle sung by Bobby Short and the marketing about who a “Charlie girl” was. My Charlie and her confident, care-free manner would fit right in in the commercial. 

What are Charlie’s favorite toys? 

Charlie has a big yellow stuffed duck that she likes to carry around.  She’s also a big fan of her giant stuffed Lamb Chop that she’s had since she was a puppy when it was twice her size. 

Does she have a favorite game? Ex. Hide and seek, catch, fetch or training time?  

Charlie loves to play chase.  She likes other dogs more than humans and her favorite thing is to run around the dog park getting chased or chasing another dog.  Her other favorite game is to stalk pigeons.  There is definitely something innate in her fascination with birds.  From the first time she saw a pigeon on the street when she was 16 weeks old, she has stopped dead in her tracks to stare them down.  She would love to catch one but I don’t know that she would know what to do if she did. 

If Charlie were a super hero, who would she be?

I think Charlie would be a female version of the Flash.  She is a super fast runner, especially if there’s a dog to be chased. 

How does she fit in with Noe Valley life?

Charlie is just a friendly, happy dog, who loves to walk around the neighborhood, meeting all the people other dogs she comes across. 

What are your favorite dog friendly places in Noe?

When it’s nice out, Charlie loves to have brunch on the weekends at Toast on Church.  They always bring her a water bowl and give her lots of attention. 

Charlie is super glad that winter is over so she can get back to her favorite park in the city -- the Upper Douglass Dog Play Area.  She loves to run through the trees to the top of the hill and chase and play with the other dogs in the park. 

Although she’s not the hugest fan of getting a bath, Charlie is also a regular at VIP Scrub Club.  She always looks a big puff ball when her hair is all blown dry. 

Are there times when you think Charlie may be smarter than you or other humans? If so, when?

Charlie is the most perceptive dog I’ve ever met.  She knows everything that is going on around her.  She’s almost too nosy at times, especially during her walks at night where she keeps an eye on everything and everyone around her.

If she could impart a piece of wisdom, what would she say?

Run your heart out and just have fun.