Since starting the blog, we’ve interviewed many members of the hospitality industry, and one constant among the interviewees has been a profound love for their pets. We thought it would be great to share this love with our readers. That’s why we launched an ongoing feature called “Wag Wednesday” to showcase industry peeps and their pets. Know someone who wants to be featured? Email us at bark@miamifoodpug.com.
This week, we’re featuring Alexandra Golovac, Chef and Co-Owner of Around the Globe Baking Co., and her Chihuahua mix, Penelope.
Your Name: Alexandra Golovac
Your Pet’s Name: Penelope
Sex: Female
Age: 1 1/2
Breed: Mix Chihuahua
How did you come to own your dog? What drew you to her?
I went to a South Florida small dog breeder, and when I saw her in the puppy play pen I knew she was the one. She was jumping all over the newborn puppies and was kissing my hand. She just looked so playful and sweet. Her fun personality won my heart over.
What’s the story behind your dog’s name?
I like unique names and for some reason when I saw her something with a P seemed appropriate. The more time I spent with her, the more she fit the name Penelope. Many nicknames soon followed.
How would you describe your dog’s personality?
Nuts… haha
She is playful! All she wants to do it play with her toys, our family dog Bella, and give kisses. She is happy and loving. Penelope is funny, too, and she knows it!
How has owning a pet made your life richer?
Since the day I brought her home, Penelope has only made each day better. She makes me smile and laugh daily. I was hesitant in getting a dog, but it has been one of the best decisions of my life. She makes me remember to just have fun and be a bit more carefree.
It’s said that dogs reflect their owners and vice versa. How does this apply to you and yours?
Well, I think we are a bit both crazy and sporadic! At first I really didn’t believe this, but the more we are around each other, the more I realize I am more like my dog and she is more like me.
Tell us a funny story about you and your dog.
Ever since Penelope was a puppy, I used to give her the cardboard part of paper towels and toilet paper rolls. We used to give them to my old dog. So I figured I would see if Penelope liked to play with them.
She loves them! She collects them in her toy basket, and when she plays she takes them all out and scatters them around the house. Penelope loves playing with them so much she knows the sound of when a roll ends. She runs to the kitchen or bathroom and sits and waits for it. You see her getting excited because she knows she getting it and can’t wait to play with it.
Since Penelope is so little, it’s hard for her to get it in her mouth and take it to her bed. So she growls at it and kicks it like soccer ball. I call it “playing soccer.” It is really a funny sight to see. So for Christmas this past year, I decided to get the help of my family to collect as many rolls as we could during December. On Christmas, I gave all of the rolls to her — that was her gift! She sat on her bed surrounded with cardboard rolls.
She loves them so much that she will hear the last bites of paper ending on the roll and run from outside in because she can’t wait to play with her new toy. It is hilarious, and every time I give her one I crack up.
Are you involved in any pet organizations or philanthropies?
Currently I am not, but I would love to get involved.
We follow a lot of dog social media accounts like Doug the Pug, Rocco’s Contemporary Life, and Menswear Dog. Do you? Which are your favorites?
Yes I do. I follow Dolly Pawton, Pippa.The Chihuahua, Walter the Chi, and Maximus Ohlsen.
See past editions of Wag Wednesdays here.