Pets Of The Month
January 2012
Fiona & Paisley, two peas in a pod
Paisley (left) & Fiona
People ask me all the time “Are they sisters?”, “Are they the same age?”, “Are they related?” Well, no, no and yes. Both Fiona and Paisley were born in Palmdale, CA. Fiona came to live with us about 7 years ago and Paisley about 3. Fiona’s brother is Paisley’s father, so that makes Fiona – Aunt Fiona!
They have many similarities, but their personalities are very different. Think of Abbott & Costello, Penn & Teller, Laurel & Hardy….
Fiona is the older, mature, sophisticated, mannered one. She is very sweet, grateful, obedient and well behaved. Paisley, on the other hand, is curious, mischievous, cunning, attention stealing, adorable trouble! What fun they are!
When we first brought Fiona home, we had another Miniature Schnauzer named Jasmine. Jasmine had been an only dog for nearly 10 years and wasn’t too sure about this new little puppy. But she learned to really like the companionship and it gave her new life and happiness for the rest of her days. After she left us, we decided to get another puppy right away so Fiona wouldn’t be lonely. It was a couple of months before we got Paisley, so when we brought her home I think Fiona was excited…. although she was a bit apprehensive at first.
Taken shortly after Paisley joined our family
Since Paisley had never been without the companionship of another dog, she bonded instantly to Fiona and to this day has to be physically close to her. As you can see from the picture, it’s usually Fiona on the couch and Paisley just plops right down on her! They are practically inseparable. If one of them has to go to the doctor without the other one, they are both a nervous wreck until they are reunited once again!
When they go for their daily walk, Fiona is always on the right side with Paisley beside her on the left, with very little variation. They love to play tag with each other and run through the whole house – barely missing obstacles – until they are both so tired they have to rest. Sometimes when they are playing, they stand up on their back legs and it looks like they are having a boxing match. Paisley’s favorite trick to get the upper hand is to bite Fiona’s back leg, forcing Fiona immediately to the floor. But Fiona has her own ways of getting back at Paisley and they take turns being the “Queen” of the moment.
Recently, Paisley needed to have surgery to remove bladder stones that had formed…Wow! Dr. Byer’s could actually feel them when she felt her abdomen and said it felt like a bag of marbles! You can see what she meant.
About every 6-8 weeks they come to see Alma for grooming. I tell them that they are going to the spa, and they come home looking fabulous!
I am so glad that I found Lake Forest Animal Clinic! I have been taking my pets here for over 10 years and I would never go anywhere else. The staff has always treated us with great care and concern. When we had to say good-bye to Jasmine, even the Doctor shed tears with us!
Paisley and Fiona hope you had a wonderful Christmas!