What's So Great About My New Ukrainian Village Apartment (It's Not What You Think)

If you want to meet everyone--and I mean EVERYONE--in your neighborhood, get a puppy. That's what I did and suddenly everyone in my West Roscoe Village neighborhood wants to talk to me. How old is he? How big will he get? Is he a good dog? A good dog, indeed!

I am absolutely amazed at the number of people I've met in the last three weeks. I've lived in my apartment for almost a year now and haven't met a soul, but since the advent of Ollie (that's his name), I have neighbors. Good neighbors, interesting neighbors, neighbors who invite me over for coffee on Sunday and offer to pick up my mail when I'm on vacation.

I should have done this a long time ago. Last year when I moved into my apartment, after the movers left my son and I spent a quiet evening together wondering who all the nameless people in all the houses on our street were. This time will be different, thanks to Ollie. In September we are moving to the Ukrainian Village, one of Chicago's most dog-friendly neighborhoods. I anticipate that our new neighbors will welcome us to the neighborhood joyfully and with great fervor in an effort to get close to the one and only Ollie. I'll let you know how that goes. And for my fellow dog owners, here are a few links to some groovy pet pampering places:

Sit!
http://sitchicago.com/

Barker and Meowski, A Paw Firm
http://www.barkerandmeowsky.com/

Streeterville Pet Spa and Boutique
http://www.streetervillepet.com/

Enjoy!