Hemingway and Baxter
Two lively pets with contrasting personalities find a wonderful home–and a best friend in each other.
Every pet owner knows that our companion animals have their own personalities—often strong and dramatic personalities that manifest in entertaining ways. Sometimes, if we’re lucky, we get two pets who not only are very much their own ‘people’ but also complement each other. When this happens, our homes become filled with personality, fun and games, and—as the lucky owners of this month’s featured pets put it—” antics” galore.
By way of introduction: Baxter is a gregarious and energetic mini Goldendoodle, and Hemingway is Russian Blue. The stories of Hemingway and Baxter converged when they both came to live with their current human, Judy Itzkowitz. A longtime Ibis resident, Judy has her own story about how she found herself in our community: “I’m originally from Long Island, but I’ve been here in Ibis for the past 17 years. I worked for a school district as a math resource person for students who needed extra assistance in the subject. When I retired my parents were living in the Lake Worth area, and every time I visited, I knew I never wanted to get on a plane to come home. So I found myself thinking, ‘When it’s my turn, this is the kind of place I want to be.’”
By way of introduction: Baxter is a gregarious and energetic mini Goldendoodle, and Hemingway is Russian Blue. The stories of Hemingway and Baxter converged when they both came to live with their current human, Judy Itzkowitz. A longtime Ibis resident, Judy has her own story about how she found herself in our community: “I’m originally from Long Island, but I’ve been here in Ibis for the past 17 years. I worked for a school district as a math resource person for students who needed extra assistance in the subject. When I retired my parents were living in the Lake Worth area, and every time I visited, I knew I never wanted to get on a plane to come home. So I found myself thinking, ‘When it’s my turn, this is the kind of place I want to be.’”
When Judy moved to Ibis, she brought a fur baby with her. However, things changed, and she brought two new pets into her life: “After losing my beloved cat Annie who made the move to Florida with me, I knew I wouldn't be happy without another fur baby. I visited several shelters and knew Hemingway was the one when I opened his cage and he put his face up for a kiss. His only-child status ended when Baxter joined the family a year and a half later. Baxter at 8 weeks settled in immediately but Hemingway needed to think it over for a few days. Once he decided this could be a good addition, they became best friends.” According to Judy, Hemingway “retreated to the laundry room” for two days before emerging, giving Baxter an inspection and a lick, and then the two began playfully chasing each other throughout the house.
This playful behavior is part of the wonderful series of antics they bring to Judy’s home; these two pets are very loving both with each other and with their human companion: “I enjoy watching Hemingway and Baxter playing together and chasing each other around the house. They are warm and loving and I never have to wonder where they are as they follow me from room to room.” Playing and being friends may be their only mission in this life, but it’s a mission at which Hemingway and Baxter excel.
Baxter is by far the more outgoing of the two: according to Judy he loves walks to the dog park, where he has more than a few neighborhood dog friends including Teddy Carlin, Cinnamon and Kayla Ardam. He also accompanies Judy when she’s out and about, often to a wonderful response from the folks he meets: “Baxter is the kind of dog that goes with me to all appointments, all business, everyone welcomes him, my doctors have treats in their desk for him. When my name is called, he gets up and runs in front of me!”
There have, of course, been more haphazard adventures. While Baxter is far more social, Judy recounts a time in which Hemingway ventured out on his own. Getting him to come home brought together the best efforts of the entire neighborhood–and beyond: “Before Baxter arrived, Hemingway managed to get out somehow. People in Ibis were wonderful, they put up posters all over to help us find him. Someone in the neighborhood connected me with an animal whisperer who told me “Your cat is nearby ''. A day or so later a neighbor called–Hemingway was ½ a block away but couldn’t find his way home! So we raced out there in the golf cart and scooped him up. With all the wildlife you don’t want your animals to be out. We were much more careful about the door after that! He was happy to be home and we were happy to have him home. Thanks to the help of good neighbors and friends in Ibis we managed to get him back.”
There have, of course, been more haphazard adventures. While Baxter is far more social, Judy recounts a time in which Hemingway ventured out on his own. Getting him to come home brought together the best efforts of the entire neighborhood–and beyond: “Before Baxter arrived, Hemingway managed to get out somehow. People in Ibis were wonderful, they put up posters all over to help us find him. Someone in the neighborhood connected me with an animal whisperer who told me “Your cat is nearby ''. A day or so later a neighbor called–Hemingway was ½ a block away but couldn’t find his way home! So we raced out there in the golf cart and scooped him up. With all the wildlife you don’t want your animals to be out. We were much more careful about the door after that! He was happy to be home and we were happy to have him home. Thanks to the help of good neighbors and friends in Ibis we managed to get him back.”
These are two fun animals, with a wonderful, delightful owner who, in her own words “loves to brag about them as mothers do.” When you see Judy and Baxter at the dog park, stop and say hello! If you play your cards right, you may be lucky enough to meet Hemingway, too!