Alex and her Yorkie, Linkoln, are a familiar site as the pair enjoys casual walks almost daily throughout their Tampa neighborhood. The proud pet parent also enjoys taking Linkoln on trips to their favorite local swimming spot and on long car rides for spontaneous adventures. We wanted to find out more about Alex and Linkoln, so we asked the 27-year-old HR professional why she chose a Yorkie to be her best friend, how she chose such a unique name and about other ways being a dog mom brings her joy. Here are her responses:
Q: What made you want to be a dog mom?
A: My family is full of Yorkies, so I’ve always wanted to continue that! As soon as I found the right little guy for me, I knew we would make a good team.
Q: How did you and your pet meet? When did you know that he/she was the right pet for you?
A: I met Link when he was 6 months old in 2017. I originally was sent to see his brother, Jack, who was slightly bigger, full of energy and jumping all over me. To my surprise, I saw this chunky little guy minding his business in his crate with a toy and walked over to introduce myself. I am a very calm person and when I picked Link up for the first time, I was so taken aback by how laid back, warm and cuddly he was with me. I went back to see him a few times after that and after the third visit decided that he was meant to come home with me.
Q: How did you decide on a name that reflected his personality?
A: My family names our Yorkies after presidents. We have a Carter, Clinton and George already. After going through the rest of the available president names, Lincoln stuck. However, when thinking of a nickname, Link was the only thing that made his ears perk up. This earned the new working of his name Linkoln.
Q: What are some of your favorite activities to do together?
A: Go for long drives, adventures through trails, swimming with family in the pool and cuddling on the couch watching TV.
Q: What is the funniest, weirdest or most surprising thing your pet has ever done?
A: He likes to jump up on his hind legs like a kangaroo. He also turns in circles when he’s excited and ready to play, as if he’s trying to amp me up too!
Q: What challenges have you faced as a pet mom?
A: Finding pet care for Link has always been somewhat of a concern. However, I have been fortunate enough to have family close by that can watch him for me when I go out of town. He really enjoys being with his Yorkie uncles!
Q: What should people know about having a pet before bringing one home?
A: Yorkies are fragile. One jump off of the couch, bed or car can cause a broken leg or worse. If you have small children, hair pulling and being too rough with them is also a concern. Lastly, Yorkies have small mouths and are known for their dental issues, so if you don’t have time to brush or have their teeth cleaned regularly, then this might not be the breed for you. This breed also needs to be socialized with small children, men and women, as well as other dogs. Otherwise, they have been known to become very territorial or aggressive in their old age.
Q: What advice do you have to offer new pet parents?
A: A new pet is a commitment and likely one that will last up to 18 years! You have to have the time to dedicate to raising them and taking care of them, which is how you build their trust and affection and how they become part of your family. Make sure you’re ready for the commitment!