Can you introduce us to your pet?
My dog’s name is Cece. She’s a 3-year-old Pitbull Terrier.
How long have you had Cece, and how did you come to adopt or acquire her?
We’ve had Cece for about two years now. It’s a funny story—she was a rescue found in a dumpster and ended up at the pound (not the funny part, LOL). My brothers surprised my parents by bringing her home as a Christmas gift. They woke up to find a dog in the house, almost went in shock, and, understandably, weren’t very thrilled. So, Cece stayed with my brothers. A year later, we gave it another try; this time, my parents finally gave in!
What’s Cece’s most endearing or amusing trait?
Cece is incredibly sassy and a total attention hog! When I’m working, she’ll claw at my hands, plop her paw, or head on my keyboard to get me to stop and give her attention. If I play with another dog, she huffs dramatically to ensure I notice her. And when she’s in trouble, she fake limps, but the moment we pick up her chew toy, she’s miraculously healed.
Describe her personality in three words?
Funny, mischievous, and energetic.
What’s Cece’s typical day?
Cece’s day starts with a run to play fetch with the German Shepherd across the street, Thor, for about 45 minutes. Then she eats and naps if she’s not sniffing for scraps. She’ll return for another play session with Thor around 3 PM then sleep again. She’s notorious for sleeping anywhere—on the floor, her bed, or even in my suitcase – I once caught her there the day I returned from a trip.
How does she react when you leave for school or come back home?
When I leave, she gives me the classic puppy eyes and starts whining unless I say “Bye Cece,” and she walks away (sassy, right?). But the second I get home, she’s jumping around, wagging her tail like crazy, and smelling me for food if I have a bag in my hand. She always makes sure I know she missed me.
What activities or games does she enjoy the most?
Cece loves fetch, especially with the Chuck It ball launcher, and she’s obsessed with playing it with our neighbor across the street.
Have you ever taught her any tricks or commands related to your work?
I haven’t taught her any work-related tricks, but Cece knows 20 tricks and five commands in Igbo! (The language of my parents homeland in Nigeria) She responds to commands like “bia” (come), “si ebea puo” (leave), “tukwuru ala” (sit down), “nyem aka” (give me your paw), and “wulie elu” (jump up)
