My two pwds, my Yin and Yang

ODI - Sweet Obsession Hondo

Odi is my canine Gandhi — a doggy with a sensitive soul and the most laid-back nature… until I pick up a ball or fetch toy. In just 0.2 seconds, he transforms from a calm, self-sufficient gentleman into a wildly enthusiastic addict who will do anything to make me throw whatever I’m holding. Over time, he’s learned to tone down this excitement, but only because he knows he won’t get what he wants otherwise.

He practices agility, and in summer he delights in water retrieving and pool-jumping. He loves learning, though his eagerness often gets the better of him, making him rush headfirst into tasks without much thought. Strong, fast, and athletic, once he sets his mind on something, he is determined and persistent. Aggression, however, is not in his nature. His patience usually outlasts any provocateurs or troublemakers, and whenever possible, he wisely avoids aggressive dogs.

Odi is not an alpha male — he’s far too easygoing for that role. In a group, he lingers toward the back, and it took me a while to notice he does this intentionally, making sure no one is left behind.

He has no hunting instinct. Cats, deer, mice, and rabbits don’t stir his interest. Maybe he just doesn’t notice them — or perhaps he simply doesn’t care.

Odi also looks after my health, taking me outside every single day, no matter the weather. For him, weather is irrelevant — never bad enough to skip a walk.

And then, there’s his social side: he’s my personal connector, introducing me to people I never would have met otherwise. He’s a true ambassador of his breed, and it’s thanks to him that I’ve become so passionate about it.

PUPA - Perla Preciosa da Estrela do Mar

When I picked up Pupa at the airport and carefully opened the box door, I gently asked if she was alright. She grumbled in annoyance, as if to say, “What do you think, after three hours of flying among the luggage?!” and promptly looked away. Right then, I knew this girl was not one to be messed with.

When meeting someone new, Pupa doesn’t allow herself to be touched or petted right away. Let’s get to know each other first, she seems to say, and then maybe I’ll let you. With her, trust has to be built and earned.

She’s both a guardian and a hunter. She notices everything, hears everything, and misses nothing. Even during grooming, she prefers to sit by the window, keeping watch over the world outside.

On walks, she always takes the lead, proudly carrying sticks—no size too big. In obedience class, she was the star student, doing everything right and on cue. Her specialty? Sitting perfectly still while locking eyes with me.

This clever girl has also discovered that she doesn’t need to dive into the water to fetch a toy if another dog is more eager. She simply waits on the shore, snatches the prize from their mouth, and trots back to me, tail high, as if she had done all the work herself.

Her coat is so soft and fluffy that I call her my white cloud.

When she sleeps, she SNORES. And when she’s displeased, she grumbles—sometimes like a tiny old lady, sometimes like a diva.

She also has a special talent: no matter where we go, she always returns from walks at least three times dirtier than Odi (and not only because her white coat makes it so much more obvious).

As I write this, Pupa has just moved from the Puppy to the Junior category. She’s still growing, still developing, and I know there will be many more stories to tell—especially since she’s the very first white Portuguese Water Dog in Slovenia.

Until then, here are a few adorable pictures.