Our Best FRIENDS: Baby Boy and Baby Girl stick together



Baby Girl and Baby Boy

Baby Girl and Baby Boy

Phyllis and Gene Bates say that their two rescue dogs, Baby Boy and Baby Girl, are inseparable. It is not possible to talk about one without referring to the other. Baby Boy is the youngest, a mixed terrier. Baby Girl is a shih tzu. Baby Boy bears a resemblance to the Target dog and both weigh about 16 pounds and have similar beige and brown colors.

“Baby Girl came into my life following surgery,” said Phyllis Bates. Baby Girl made a lovely cuddling companion during recuperation.

“I found Baby Boy when Hooters in Fort Myers had a rescue dog event,” she said. “Sometimes I suggest a third rescue dog. I don’t get much support for that idea from Gene.” He says two are perfect. Their names start with B following the naming tradition in the family. Both of their children’s names start with a B.

Although the dogs have their own sleeping beds, they still prefer snuggling up together. Neighbors often see the two watching from the door window.

Mentioning “going out” sends Baby Boy after the leash and looking for Baby Girl. They enjoy their neighborhood walks, visits to the dog park and to the dog beach. Trips to the pet shop and rides in the Suburban are favorite times. They travel by air for family vacations, tucked under the seat in their individual carriers.

If you have a dog that you think is particularly wonderful, contact us at info@swspotlight.com and he or she could be the next dog featured in this column.

If you have a dog that you think is particularly wonderful, contact us at info@swspotlight.com and he or she could be the next dog featured in this column.

“Neither dog likes water,” said Bates. “At the beach, they enjoy the running and the sand. Baby Boy fell into the pool once and we rapidly pulled him out. He didn’t know what happened.”

This dislike of water includes rain. Neither dog wants to go out in the rain, but Baby Girl is adamantly against the idea. “My daughter-in-law calls her the princess – she doesn’t want to get her hair wet,” said Bates.

“Baby Girl and Baby Boy won’t allow dog clothing either,” she added. “They take it right off.”

A day in the life of Baby Girl and Baby Boy includes a morning walk, a ride in the Suburban to accompany Gene to buy a newspaper and dog treats at the beginning and end of the trip. “We only give them food appropriate for dogs,” said Bates. Resting fills the majority of their time until dinner and walks.

“I don’t know what it is about Gene,” said Bates. “If he goes away, they will wait at the door watching for his return. If they hear the garage door, they are ready. I don’t get the same welcome.” Alike in most ways, the younger Baby Boy loves his squeaky toys, but Baby Girl can’t be bothered.

Two dogs make company for each other, and Baby Girl and Baby Boy are all joy.