Favorite Lovies

No question about it, each dog has an all-time favorite lovie. For Emme it is Big Mama Gorilla and for Rudy it is the Really Big Lovie Bear. Both of these toys were sold as children's toys, not dog toys. Big Mama Gorilla came from Kohls and the Really Big Lovie Bear was a Christmas bear from Dillards. Every morning after they eat, Emme and Rudy get their favorite lovies and lie down on the rug in the dining room for a nice long session with their lovies. This is as regular a part of their morning routine as getting up, going downstairs, going outside, and eating breakfast.

This year for Christmas both dogs are getting two toys: another Kohl's stuffed animal and replacement hedgehogs. The Kohl's toy is in the shape of a dinosaur but has a similar feel to Big Mama Gorilla. The hedgehogs come from the pet store but are rather fragile and don't last long. Rudy loves the squawk they make, but after an hour or two of continuous noise, I think he punctures the plastic bag that holds the air and they no longer squawk. Because the hedgehogs are so light, Emme loves to race around the house with one in her mouth. Unfortunately, when she gets tired and lies down with the toy, she loves to pull out the fur, hair by hair. After some time, the hedgehog is silent and partially bald, so periodic replacements are needed. It is a good thing that Christmas is coming.