Harvey: All Curiosity and Contagious Enthusiasm

Q: What’s your full name?
A: Harvey Sass

Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I am bright, warm, and full of boundless enthusiasm! I am the ultimate people pleaser, always eager to make you smile with a wagging tail and a playful bounce. Loyal to a fault, I stick by your side through thick and thin, ready to lend a comforting presence when you need it most. I am friendly with everyone I meet (sometimes overly so)—dogs, cats (not so sure on that one), humans, you name it—because making friends is my favorite thing! My curiosity would drive me to explore every corner of the yard, every scent in the air, and every crinkle of a treat bag. Throw a ball or stick, and I’ll happily fetch it for hours, loving the simple joy of play. At the end of the day, I curl up on the couch (or on your lap, if you’d let me).

Q: What’s your favorite vacation spot?
A: This one is easy. It is Shaver Lake. With all that room to roam and a huge lake to swim in, how can a dog go wrong?

Q: And when you get to go along?
A: Going along for rides in the truck is one of my most favorite things to do. With the back windows rolled down, I can stick my head out the window, sniff the air and sometimes bark at others of my kind.

Q: Your best play spot?
A: I love Belmont Park where I can play ball all day. I like to run around there and play hide and seek with my dog dad.

Q: Are you ever a naughty pup?
A: Oh no, my naughtiest deed? Well, okay, I’ll confess! Any time you leave out a paper towel or napkin, I have to destroy it. I don’t just bite into it, I totally annihilate it. I know it is wrong, but it is always SO worth it! I try to resist, but…to me it smells like pure magic! Perhaps there is a 12-step program for paper towel chewers like me.

Q: What’s your canine obsession?
A: I am obsessed with those lawn guys coming into my back yard. With those things that are loud and monster looking, I have the need to let them know their presence is not wanted in my domain. I run around the house, moving rugs and sliding on the floors as I get the best vantage point to bark my displeasure at them being there. The funny thing is they leave after I bark at them for a while. I am one brave puppy.

Q: What’s your favorite treat?
A: That is an easy one. I like a good pup cup. To make one you get a small plastic cup like the one Jello comes in and then fill it with whipped cream (like that stuff in a can). You should try it.

Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
A: Oh boy, my guilty pleasure? I admit there are a few. Definitely sneaking an extra snack or two when no one’s looking! If you leave anything within my reach, I believe it is mine to eat. Also, I just have to investigate. It’s like my nose has a mind of its own! Oh, and rolling on the floor and newly mown grass! I know you’ll give me that look, but it’s just so squishy and fun, I can’t help myself!

Q: Where do you go to get pampered?
A: I get groomed over by Venetian Pet Hospital in Lincoln Center. Sometimes when I play in the tall grass and less than dry conditions, I need a good pampering. It is the best. When I get brushed, it feels magical. And a bath? That warm water and all the attention makes me feel like the superstar dog that I am.

Q: Where were you adopted from?
A: I was born in Taiwan. I quickly outgrew the apartment where I lived. From there I went to a foster home with 15 other dogs. I did not like that. Some nice people from Lodi found me there and brought me here where I was adopted.

Q: What else should we know about you?
A: Oh! Everyone wants to know how I stay so happy all the time! The secret? It’s simple: love everything! Love people, love snacks, love belly rubs, love the sound of your laugh, love running after a ball, love the way the wind feels on my face during car rides! Oh, and I live in the now! No worries about yesterday’s chewed-up paper towel. Right now, life is paw-some! That’s all there is to it! Can we go play fetch now?

Q: Who are your human parents?
A: Carrie and Tim Sass