Happy Tail: Sushi
Sunday, February 10, 2008
By: Mary Anne Ross

Q & A with Sushi

Sushi is stylish Lab mix who was surrendered to Animal Friends when her family’s situation changed. While at Animal Friends, Sushi received good care and a healthy, much-needed diet. Her search for a new home even took her to Pittsburgh Today Live on KDKA, where she made a special appearance in the weekly Adopt-A-Pet segment. Sushi is now happily settling into a new family, made up of adults of multiple generations.

Sushi was happy to grant an interview for the Petsburgh Press. As a proud member of Sushi’s new family, I had the privilege of interviewing this wonderfully sweet pooch.

Sushi and I were able to chat over a Senior Milkbone biscuit and a skim mocha latte (The biscuit was for Sushi and latte was for me, of course.) one pleasant afternoon on our front porch. Sushi, fashionable and looking trimmer than ever in her natural blonde coat, smiled throughout the conversation.

Mary Anne:  Sushi, as a returned alum, this was not the first time you came to Animal Friends for help. How did you feel when you were surrendered—for your second time—at Animal Friends?

Sushi:  I really didn’t understand what was going on.  I’m just a dog, you know. A smart dog, but still a dog. The people at Animal Friends gave me a nice room to myself and a big cushion to sit on, but I was so depressed at first. 

Mary Anne: As an older dog, how did you react to being back in a shelter?

Sushi: I really tried to have a positive outlook, but I could tell that most people who came to see us canines wanted to add a puppy to their family.  Puppies are so cute, of course. I felt like no one wanted to give me a chance. Of course, the staff and volunteers at Animal Friends were really nice to all of us four-legged folks, but it’s not the same as being home. Once you’ve been home, you realize how wonderful and comfortable it is. And I have to tell you…I’m not wild about a lot of noise, even other dogs. Even though I always put on a happy face, I was kind of scared and uncomfortable.

Mary Anne: Sushi, you were physically uncomfortable too.  Tell us about your paw injury.

Sushi:  I’m not really sure how I got hurt, but it’s really my knee more than my paw.  My new vet, Dr. B., thinks that I have a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL.)  That’s a type of injury that football players get.  I feel better because I’m starting to lose weight, but it’s a little hard for me to stand up after I’ve been sitting or lying down for a while and I still limp.

Mary Anne:  You look great!  I can really tell you’ve been trying to lose weight.  Tell us how that’s going.

Sushi:  Well, it’s hard because I love to eat, but I’m really careful about what I eat now, and I just can’t overindulge myself with treats.  And I walk two to three times a day.  I have to take short walks because of my knee, but I’m starting to feel stronger when I walk and I can go a little further each day.

Mary Anne: Wow, what dedication, is it hard to stick to that?

Sushi: Actually, no, I love to walk.  I rest a lot too!  Walking is a good way for any older dog to get back into shape.  I had gotten a little lazy in my former home.  And as you know, I can really turn on the charm when I want something to eat.  I really appreciate the dedication that my new family has in helping me to lose weight.  I know that it’s not easy to resist my brown eyes and sweet smile. 

Mary Anne: That’s for sure!  But like you said, you look so much better and you even act younger now that you’ve lost a little weight. 

Sushi: I know.  I’m even tempted to run after all of the rabbits that are around my new house.  But I try to exercise self-control.  As an older dog, I am very proud of my self-control.

Mary Anne:  That’s right.  You are so polite and considerate.  Why don’t you tell us about some other advantages of adopting an older pet?

Sushi:  I have to bring this up.  I am housebroken.  Now, doesn’t that appeal to you? Most of my older kennel mates were housebroken too.  I was used to staying long hours at home.  And I’m not into all that mischief that the pups get into: chewing, running, counter surfing.  I couldn’t reach the counter top if I tried! 

Mary Anne:  I can tell from experience that you still have a lot of love to give too.

Sushi:  I really love being around people of all ages.  As a senior citizen, I have learned to be patient and understanding.  I know that some families appreciate a gentle pet. 

Mary Anne:  You really are gentle!  That appealed to me when my Mom and I were looking for a pet.  Let’s switch gears for a second.  Can you tell us what you like best about your new home?

Sushi: The couch! (Laughs.)  Seriously, I love the neighborhood.  Everyone oo’s and ah’s over me.  At first I was a little shy, but now I love all the attention.  I feel so secure because I’m not left alone that often.   I can tell that people think I’m a nice dog when I’m walking on a leash.  I like to trot up to friendly people and give them a little smile.  If they aren’t too shy about it, I will even give them a kiss.

Mary Anne:  Yes Sushi, I know that you give the best kisses!  And I have to say that we feel like we’ve hit the jackpot by taking you home.  Mom is really appreciative of the fact that she always has company from you.  And Patti (my sister) loves to play hide and seek and peek-a-boo with you.  Everyone loves cuddling on the coach with you.  You are such an expert cuddler.    You’re a super companion in the car.  Never a back-seat driver! 

Sushi:  I feel like a very lucky dog.  I fit in so well with this family.  We can be laid back but still know how to have fun.  Things like going for car rides and leisurely strolls around the neighborhood, watching a movie or a football game.

Mary Anne:  Yeah, you’re a big football fan.

Sushi:  I like watching all the action.

Mary Anne: I hear you Sushi.  Well, I think we should just about wrap this up.  Do you have anything else to say to the Petsburgh Press readers?

Sushi: Go Steelers!