Did we tell you about Bearnard’s new best friend? Oh, buckle up—this is a story.
It all started innocently enough.K8 gave C a PoleCat (PoleCat #1) for Christmas. Totally festive; wholesome. My girls love cats.
C and PoleCat #1
Then, in what can only be described as a bold escalation, K8 gifted V another PoleCat (PoleCat #2) for her birthday in January. And, she liked the cat so much, she bought one for herself (PoleCat #3).
The PoleCats were … multiplying.
Enter Bearnard.
Bearnard and his bff, PoleCat
Somewhere along the way, Bearnard claimed PoleCat #2 as his own. No paperwork, no formal adoption—just vibes. One day, he was a single guy. The next? He was in a committed, sleep-every-night-together relationship.
Now, for context: PoleCat is a stuffed animal with very short arms and legs. Sound familiar? Yes. It is essentially Bearnard in plush form. A tiny, floppy doppelgänger (but as a cat). Honestly, it’s a little uncanny. We’re not saying Bearnard has found his emotional support twin… but we’re also not not saying that.
Beary loves PoleCat
Papillons, as you may know, have the daintiest, most delicate little legs and feet. Bearnard is basically a walking collection of twigs and fluff. Adorable, yes—but also clearly someone who appreciates a companion of similar… structural integrity.
Beary loves PoleCat every day
Of course, where there is joy, there is Jolie.
Big sister, Shih Tsu, Jolie has made it her personal mission to monitor—and, if possible, confiscate—anything Bearnard loves. She is the self-appointed Fun Police. If Bearnard is enjoying something, Jolie is immediately on the scene like, “I’ll take that, thank you.” She is bossy. She is relentless. She is deeply committed to being in charge of everything, including objects that are not hers and have never been hers.
Jolie, the PoleCat, stealer
Jolie guarding PoleCat
But here’s the twist: Bearnard does not care.
Despite Jolie’s best efforts, he remains devoted to PoleCat #2. He sleeps with her and generally behaves like he has found his soulmate in stuffed form. It’s a love story for the ages. Or at least for the living room.
Bearnard just loves PoleCat
Who knew Bearnard had this kind of emotional depth? Certainly not us. But we support him. And his tiny, equally tiny-limbed companion.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤ 
Tags: Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu mix, stuffed animals
Someone said spring is coming. I’m not totally convinced, because just last week the yard was still full of slushy, squishy nonsense. But I have noticed the air feels warmer. Warmer usually means rain and fog… which I do not approve of.
Let me be clear: I hate rain. I hate wet paws. I especially hate the post-walk towel ambush where Mom rubs my feet like she’s polishing furniture. Highly undignified.
And don’t even get me started on those ridiculous coats. Yes, they’re “cute.” Yes, they’re “practical.” No, I do not enjoy waddling around sounding like a crinkly snack bag.
We are tired of the cold.
We are tired of the wet.
We would like to file a formal complaint with the Weather Department.
Most of all, we want our yard back.
Where are my bushes?
Where are my flowers?
Where are the good sniffing spots that aren’t buried under icy mush?
Slush Paws
Sleet and sslush
JoJo ZZZzzzzz
Picture perfect
Beary ZZZzzzz
Bluebird and sparrow
Having fun
I’m so cute
Walk Please
Spring means sun puddles on the porch.
Spring means long walks without shivering.
Spring means squirrels to supervise and birds to politely bark at.
Spring means grass that smells interesting again.
So yes, I am ready.
Ready to zoom.
Ready to sniff.
Ready to roll in things I’m probably not supposed to.
Dear Spring:
Please arrive soon.
Your friend, Jolie, the thirsty for it to warm up, Shih Tzu
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, nature, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu, Spring, winter
Ten years is a very long time to be on earth when you only weigh 16 pounds. But since I didn’t come to live with Mom until I was 6-1/2, maybe I’m really only 4. Mom seems to like that math – and honestly, so do I.
I may have had a rough start in life, but wow… what an amazing “now” I have. When I first came home, I had my big brother Charles (the Pomchi). I loved him very much – and I’m pretty sure he liked me too. (Which is great because he didn’t like most things.)
Charles and Jolie Sept ’22
When he crossed the rainbow bridge to that big meadow in the sky, my little brother, Bearnard (the Papillion) joined the crew. Beary and I are the bestest of buds and partners in all things fun (and snacks).
And, let’s talk about timing – having a birthday on Valentine’s Day? That’s basically winning at life. Extra love, extra cuddles, and probably extra treats. What’s not to love?
Here’s to another year of wagging tails, happy hearts, and being Mom’s favorite little Valentine. – Jolie Olie, the amazing Shih Tsu
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: dog birthday, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, pomchi, shih tzu mix, valentine's day
We can walk on frozen water
This is fun but cold
Nice!!
Snuggly
Way too cold!
Let us in!
This is crazy
I’m waiting!
Too icy to climb
It is nicer in here
Stop Complaining!
We do
not like coats.
We tolerate sweaters (barely).
But Mom says it’s “below zero” and that apparently means we must dress like puffy marshmallows. Rude! Even worse, she only lets us play for five whole minutes. FIVE. Meanwhile, Bearnard casually wanders to the far side of the ice floe where she can’t reach him for at least another five minutes. Coincidence? We think not. She say’s he is going to turn into a Pupcicle!
We are not used to this whole “not walking for many days” situation. But Mom keeps saying things like “below freezing” and “icy, dirty, salty streets are not for little feet.” Dramatic, honestly.
How is where you live? Is winter also attacking your dignity?
We will admit… being inside isn’t terrible. Warm, snuggly beds and blankies help. Jojo loved it so much she ran back inside with her coat on. At one point, Beary lost his coat and was crying and shivering, which led to Mom using her cane to help him get up the frozen staircase like a winter rescue mission.
So tell us – WHEN will this freeze end?
Maryland dogs are simply not built for weeks and weeks of Arctic nonsense. It’s for the birds!
Signed,
Two very cold, very offended pups (and one cat, who could not care less since she lives inside) 🐶🐶
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: Cat People, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, ice, lorian lipton, nature, pet blog, Storm, winterr
Wishing all our fur-friends and their humans a pawsome New Year!
Get into some good trouble (but try not to get caught… like I always seem to – like walking on the coffee table the other day (below)).
Take lots of naps – preferably in inconvenient places. Stick with your friends through zoomies and sad days alike. Always share the sunny spot on the stairs (unless you get their first).
And whatever you do, don’t bother Mini Cooper, the cat, too much… she’s cranky, she knows it, and she’s waiting for an excuse.
Too much noise!!!!
Who me?
Caught red pawed!
ZZZzzzzzZZZZ
Super Chill
Stella
Revolving Beds #1
Revolving Beds #2
Scenes from 2025
May 2026 bring you peace, health, and lots of fun things!
Love – Jolie, Bearnard, Stella, Mini Cooper and Mom (the DogDaz Zoo)
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cat blog, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, dogs and cats, lorian lipton, New Year, pet blog
Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and Happy 2026 – from the DogDaz Zoo.
and Stella too!
This is a very old picture (maybe 9 years ago) when she was still out and about with Queen Noel.
Those are V’s Xmas pickles in production.
We wish you a very furry holiday. Everyone has been very busy. Stay warm dear fur friends.
See you in 2026!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cat blog, Christmas and holiday season, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, lorian lipton, pet blog
Hey, it’s Bearnard!
What is going on with this wacky weather? One day it’s cool and comfy, the next it’s brrr—freezing! I don’t mind the chill, but it’s sneaking in fast. Jolie has to wear her sweater because, bless her heart, she’s got hair like a human instead of a fancy fur coat like mine. I’ve got my awesome triple coat keeping me toasty, but Mom still makes me wear a jacket when it’s below freezing. Us littles just can’t keep the heat like the big dogs do!
Leaf Beard
This morning, Jolie and I were having a fine time chasing the sun spots on the steps when Miss Bossy Pants herself—Mini Cooper—sauntered up and started pushing us out of the way. Seriously, who invited these cats anyway?
Anyway, I’m off to find another sunny spot before Mini does. Stay warm out there, friends—and remember, naps are best when your nose is toasty! ☀️🐾
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cat blog, DogDaz, dogs and cats together, little dogs, lorian lipton, papillon mix, Pet, pet blog, shih tzu mix, winter
The skeleton crew of DogDaz Zoo is taking over the feed. There is so much going on. One day it is hot, then cold, then windy, then raining. Mom says, it must be fall. We love October and the spooky times. Not a lot of houses have fun decorations yet this year. Maybe it is because here in the US people are just not in the mood to smile. We like to smile and play though.
We got our fall hair/fur cuts. Mom says we look great! This is our 2025 ‘school’ picture. Does your Mom make you take photo ops? We don’t usually sit for very long. She has to catch us when she can.
.
Next stop – Spooky Towne, then Turkey time! See you in November. Stay well and keep licking!
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cat and dog, cat blog, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, Fall, halloweeen, lorian lipton, nature, october, pet blog
Hi. Bearnard here, reporting for the DogDaz Zoo!
Fall came fast – and so did my allergies.
I love to walk in the crunchy leaves, but all that autumn fun makes me itchy. Then I start biting my paws, which makes Mommy worried. I had my Cytopoint shot last month, and take Benadryl every day, but Mom says it’s not really helping. I really hope I don’t need another shot.
Still, the fall plants are beautiful, and we’re enjoying our morning walks. Mom say’s she’ll take more pictures if she has a hand free (we’ll see about that).
Mini Cooper had a rough time with a bad tooth.
She had to have one of her canine teeth pulled. (Funny that they call it a Canine tooth when she is a Feline, right?). She is doing much better now.
She was yapping and yapping for a while, and we couldn’t figure out what she was trying to say. When you have a chatty cat, it can be harder to interpret their conversations.
The anesthesia – or maybe the painkiller shot – had her loopy for about 3 days. But once it wore off, she was back to being her usual Mini self. The photos above? That’s her yelling at Mom to start their daily laser tag game.
Fall is Mom’s favorite time of year.
Not just because Halloween is coming (her all favorite holiday), but because she loves the autumnal equinox too. She says it’s when the Earth “tilts to fall” here in the Northern Hemisphere and it marks the start of the new year in her heart and for her people.
It’s her time to count all her blessings, clean her slate, and start fresh. She says we get to start fresh too – more apples and honey for everyone! (Except me. I hate fruit. And I hate veggies. I am a pretty picky eater for a dog.)
Oh – and Mom went to the Maryland Renaissance Faire with Peanut
Peanut loves cosplay. She makes her own costumes and even her own chainmail. She is one of our other favorite humans.
Warrior Peanut 2025
When they came home Mom gave us new names.(Don’t ask, just roll with it.) Jolie, the Magnificant and Bearnard, the Brave.
Jolie, the Magnificant
Bearnard, the Brave
What’s your medieval name? Enjoy the fall.
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: autumnal equinox, cat blog, cat teeth, cats and dogs together, Dog People, DogBlog, DogDaz, Fall, lorian lipton, papillon mix, pet blog, shih tzu
August came and went. Mom says we slept through August. It seems like we are always napping somewhere. There is a fight for the bed at the top of the stairs. Usually Mini wins, since no one wants to cross a cat. How was your summer?
For Mom it has been endless repairs and replacements since the lightening surge. The stove finally got repaired on Friday, so Mom can start making us chicken again. The fixer guy said he never saw a surge not only take out the electric panel but also the thermostat. Another TV died yesterday (so that brings it to 3 out of 4 that needed to be replaced). Mom said she didn’t realize that the surge could have such a delayed result and take out an HDMI port a month later, but now we know. We keep hearing her say ‘if the thunder don’t get you the lightening will.’
We are just going to hunker down here at the DogDaz Zoo and hope for a calm hurricane season. Wake us up when it is over! – Jolie, Bearnard, Mini Cooper (& Stella)
Stella turns 14 on Labor Day. We can’t believe how well she is doing considering she has GI Lymphoma. It is now almost 2 years since her diagnosis and she is still enjoying her life thanks to lots of love and modern medicine. Happy Birthday, Big Girl!
What kind of mischief did you get into today?
Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤
Tags: cats, Cats and Dogs, dog, DogBlog, DogDaz, Dogs, lorian lipton, Mischief Monday, Pet, pets
DogDaz Zoo 