Roger was so heart broken when his best friend, his 18-year-old dog, died that he could not bare the thought of ever going through a loss like that again - so he firmly decided to never have another dog.
After 18 years without his constant canine companion, Roger went to work at
Roger’s Fine Antiques and Collectibles, located at 2625 E. Main Street.
One day a Seattle customer entered his store carrying the “cutest Pug/Chihuahua/Dachshund mix puppy - in the world” in her purse.
Roger fell madly in love - with the dog that is! As Roger cooed over the dog, the woman explained that she knew the breeder and all the puppies were homed.
A few weeks later, the same woman arrived back in his shop
surprising Roger. This time she was carrying another itsy bitsy puppy.
“I never forgot you,” she said. “Your love for your dog and mine touched my heart. One of the puppy adopters returned her tiny puppy because she was afraid that it would be stepped on by her bigger dog.”
“I about fell over,” said Roger, “because, in her next breath she offered Itsy Bitsy to me - for FREE! Of course, I took the puppy because I was head over heals in love with
her. I tell you, that woman rescued both Itsy and me! I was so deep in grief at the loss of my furry business partner that Itsy lifted my spirits and made me smile again. Itsy is the best dog. She is such a blessing, loves to welcome ‘our’ customers, and she has never given me a problem, only her love and devotion.”
Roger is known amongst his friends for throwing Itsy wonderful birthday parties. “It is so fun!” said Roger, “I email friends and customers
and they show up with their dogs and gifts for Itsy.”
As a shop employee, Itsy earns $20 for greeting customers and as the “guard dog” at the Estate Sales they do.
“When her piggy bank is full,” confesses Roger, “we head to the pet store to add onto her extensive wardrobe. Because of her thin puppy fur, Itsy wears jackets and sweaters to keep her warm.”
Her wardrobe also includes Halloween costumes, pajamas, dresses and
Seahawk t-shirts. Once a month, she is pampered to a spa treatment where her nails are painted the colors that match the Ducks and Seahawks, because she enjoys watching football games with Roger.
This year her Halloween costume had a little devil on it that said, “I am adorable, but watch out!”
Roger is careful that Itsy does not become a shop-a-holic. For a treat, he lets her ‘paw’ pick a biscuit out of their low bin for tiny
dogs.
Itsy is so well known in our small town that when his friend was pup-sitting for a day, the friend was all but accused of dog-napping! When he walked into a store holding her, the staff recognized her and asked, “Where did you get that dog!”
Itsy is, also apparently, mystical or just a darn good shopper!
“When I was scrolling on the internet for a bike to take Itsy bike riding,” said Roger, “I stood up to get
coffee and left my I-pad on the bed. She walked onto the I-pad and it clicked onto a bike that said, ‘Buy now!’ So I did, after all Itsy picked it out, and we love the bike!
After our bike tipped over at a yard sale, with her harnessed in the front basket, I was worried that she might, one day, hurt her head. So, I ordered a tiny-safety dog helmet. She is so cute in it, and it makes as much sense for her to wear one as I do for our brain
safety!”
Itsy moonlights over at Cottage Grove Professional Grooming, which is located next to Roger’s store. When they have a new dog arrive that is anxious, they come and get Itsy to calm the dog, because she is not threatening and promptly shows them the ropes.
“After a busy work week,” said Roger, “Itsy and I make Sundays ‘our day’. We spend the time together walking, going for coffee, watching movies or shopping - for
her.
As a single person, it is wonderful having her companionship. I often ask myself, ‘What did I do to deserve a sweet little dog like her?’
She chooses to sleep under my covers, even though she has a bed and blankets (and toys) on the bed.
The only show we can’t watch together is “The Dog Whisperer”. Whenever she sees a dog, she runs to the TV barking at it. Maybe I better give Cesar Millan a call! I could
use his help that he gives on his show to learn dog behavior tips. Itsy is not spoiled, she is loved, and there is a big difference. I feel loved, too.”
