Samara, how did Lizzy actually come into your life? Was it love at first sight?

Django, our previous Dalmatian, was our first great love. His goodbye was hard, and we knew for sure that we wanted a pup from his line.

When we heard that a niece of his was having a litter, it immediately felt right. Lizzy had a yellow ribbon around her and there was something about her… something special. A kind of attraction that I couldn’t really explain. My gaze kept returning to her.

It was love at first sight. From the very first moment I knew: you belong with us.

Lizzy, what was your first impression of Samara? Did you immediately know she would be your human?

I saw her and thought: Ooooh yes, you’re one of those… One of those I can easily wrap around my paw. I stayed nice and close to her, looking a bit sweet, wagging my tail a bit… just showing what a lovely, fun pup I was.

And when she picked me up? Well, then I knew for sure: I chose this one well. You can only dream of such loving humans as a pup.

Lizzy, what was the hardest thing to learn in your new home, and what came naturally?

The hardest thing? That not all food is for me. There’s so much delicious stuff on the table… and I think: Hello? Why not share? To be fair, I still prefer to have a little fork along.

What was really easy? Scoring snacks, of course! I learn super fast, especially when there’s something tasty in return. Where the snacks go, my nose goes too. And when I know something delicious is coming? Then I obediently do exactly what’s asked.

I’m smart, and I get bored quickly. So I really don’t do the same trick twenty times, I’m not a circus act! A bit of variety, please. That keeps me happy, sharp, and in training mode.

What’s the best thing about living by the water? Are there other water sports you’d like to try?

Living by the water? That’s one big party! On warm days I happily jump in the water to cool off with my life vest, of course. I go after the ball, chill floating on my raft through the street like I’m the queen, and I regularly go on SUP adventures.

And oh yes… the boat? That doesn’t leave without me, of course. I’m the captain! Without my permission, that ship just stays nicely at the dock.

What would I still like to try? Maybe surfing… or jet skiing. But only if I look stylish, and my ears can flutter nicely in the wind.

That weekly Thursday tradition at the fish stall sounds fantastic! How do you react when you hear that cargo bike coming?

When mom comes home from work on Thursday… I know enough. FISH DAY!

As soon as I hear the cargo bike, I’m already wagging at the door, my tail working overtime. I jump on my hind legs, completely ready for action.

And on the way in the cargo bike? Then I’m fidgeting with impatience. I actually want to jump out and run; I’m much faster than I am with the cargo bike! I can smell my fish friend from far away. And as soon as he sees me coming, my herring is already being prepared.

For those cargo bike trips to the fish stall, you probably wear a beautiful collar or harness. Which Pawness color fits best with your spotted personality?

I always go out in a beautiful, stylish outfit to my favourite fish stall, too, of course! My Pawness collar, Bo, in the colour Mauve Mist, fits me perfectly. It’s the colour of the sea: a bit mysterious, a bit dreamy… Still perfect for my fish outing.

Once, dad took me with a black collar… and believe it or not, my fish friend didn’t even recognise me! No colour, no flair, that really wasn’t it. My spotted personality just needs colour.

Samara, how do you keep Lizzy’s coat beautiful after all those swimming adventures? Do you have special care rituals?

Lizzy’s coat has quite a lot to endure. She loves swimming, runs through mud baths as if it’s spa day, and throws herself wholeheartedly into every adventure. That’s why we use Pawness’s Fresh Fetch shampoo, a mild, caring shampoo that makes her coat soft, clean and bright white again, with her own unique black spots.

For extra care and freshness, we also use the matching spray. That combination ensures that her coat and skin stay in top condition.

Samara, what was the funniest moment you experienced with Lizzy by the water?

Lizzy always goes after birds or ducks into the water with full enthusiasm without looking at how deep it is. One day, she started the chase with full dedication… but she hadn’t noticed that it suddenly got quite deeper. She almost went under! I was startled for a moment, but immediately saw her surface again, completely surprised and wet behind her ears.

And then comes the best part: she turned around, walked back to the shore, and was heavily offended. As if the water had done something to her. I really couldn’t stop laughing.

Lizzy, if you could call the shots for a day, what would you choose to do?

I start the day with a double breakfast, you only live once after all. Then I put on my most beautiful outfit, a touch of Pawness Timber Woof perfume, and go pick up my date.

Together we take a lovely walk by the sea, sniffing, running and of course getting into a bit of mischief.

And as a finale? Three herrings. One for him, two for me. Because yes… It’s my day. After such a perfect day, I snuggle up close to mom, for lots of cuddles and love. Then I crawl into bed and dream about sun, sea, snacks and another date.

Samara, what was the first thing you did together with Lizzy? And how did you discover she loves water so much?

The very first thing we did together was walking, just a quiet round, to get to know each other. Lizzy darted around me, curious and cheerful. In a field, I sat down to play with her. She was so happy and looked at me with that look… just as in love as I looked at her.

To get her used to water, we had made a small swimming pool on the pier. Already, while filling it, she got so enthusiastic, she snapped at the water jet, curious as always. The wet paws were new to her at first, but it didn’t take long before she was stepping in and out of the pool like a pro. That was the moment I knew she would become a real water rat.

Since then, no puddle, ditch or sea is safe from her. And honestly? It’s wonderful to see her so free and happy, exactly as she should be.

Lizzy’s favourites