Type of animal/breed: Aussiedoodle

Pet's age: 3 yrs

After our golden retriever, Dakota, passed away in 2020, we decided in April 2022 that it was time to welcome another dog into our family. Our oldest son, Rhett, had been begging for a new fur baby. So instead of traveling for spring break, we decided to adopt Louis and spend the week helping him get acquainted with our family. Both of our sons were over the moon when we brought Louis home because we kept the whole thing a surprise. 

We originally planned on adopting Louis' brother, a merle aussiedoodle. But when we met his brother, he was pretty rough and left lots of scratch marks on Dione. With our son's Rhett and Beau, being so young at the time, we knew we needed a gentle dog. Right in the middle of Dione telling Steve that Louis' brother was not a good fit for their family, Louis walked over and sat in Dione's lap. He laid his head on her and closed his eyes. That's when we knew he was the perfect, gentle cuddle bug for our family.

Louis is named after the character Louis de Pointe du Lac from one of Dione's favorite books, Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. Keeping with the French spelling "Louis" instead of "Louie" felt right, given Louisville's namesake, King Louis XVI of France. Rhett chose "Goldenheart" for his middle name, given Louis' gentle nature. 

Louis is a snuggle buddy and loves to sleep with either of our sons, Rhett or Beau. He also loves to go to cross-country practice with us at Creasy Mahan. He likes to run around with the kids and receive lots of cuddles and petting.  

We live in a cul-de-sac, and Louis loves to hide in the bushes in our yard and wait for people to walk past on the sidewalk, only to dart out quickly, run to the edge of our yard, and bark loudly. Quickly followed by tail wagging and rolling over on his back for belly rubs. I think he genuinely enjoys jump scaring people. Which is hilarious because he is 1) so tiny and 2) such a lover. From my office window that overlooks his hiding spot, I watch him do this over and over every time he's outside. I apologize to all of the people he has scared over the years! I promise he is all bark and no bite. 

Louis keeps Dione company during the day when the house is quiet and empty. She works from home, and Louis is always by her side on calls, occasionally making an appearance and always providing cuddles. He is truly a "velcro" dog that follows her everywhere, including the bathroom, and provides constant companionship and love. 

I love that when our neighbors describe where they live, they tell people they are "Louis' neighbor" rather than Steve and Dione's neighbor. It's his world, and we are just living in it.