Name: Viola, but I go by my nickname “Smidge.”

Age: 4 years old.

Breed: Wire-haired Dachshund.

Profile/history: I’m a rescue from Animal Care Centers NYC. When my Mom showed up early in the morning one day, she glanced around and saw me in a back corner of one of the cages. She said, “Hello! Want to come home with me?” and I took that as my cue to respond with licks of appreciation. At that time, my hair wasn’t coiffed like it is these days, so she wasn’t sure what breed I was until we made a visit to the salon. I’m a young pup, but my eyebrows and beard make me look older, wiser, more scholarly – wouldn’t you agree?

Daily routine: I sleep on a sofa in the living room and then usually crawl into bed with Mom around 6:30 a.m. Later on, my walker will stop by and we’ll prepare for our daily adventures around the Upper West Side. I love my large social circle of friends and neighbors. Well, except Maisie – my arch nemesis. Maisie is a dog who lives on the same floor of my building and we tend to get into arguments. Putting up with New York neighbors – amiright?! Anyway, back to my daily routine! Most days it’s a leisurely walk in Central Park or Riverside Park. I’m an avid squirrel hunter and turtle watcher. Later on, I might join Mom and her friend Judy for a card game of Rummy.

Loves: My toys, including my favorite one – a little stuffed blue dog that sort of resembles me.

Does not love: Maisie. Also, rain. Both of which I encounter too frequently.

Favorite store or business on the UWS: When I’m not snacking on delicious warm cookies and milk from Levain Bakery, I like to peruse the treasures at Westsider Books. Reading great books adds to my aforementioned professorial je ne sais quoi.

Favorite treat: Carrot sticks.

Favorite park spot: The lake around the Ladies Pavilion in Central Park. There’s a special wooden bench there that makes for a lovely spot to enjoy the seasonal views.

Speaking as a fellow book lover, have you had a chance to check out The Strand at its new location on Columbus Avenue? I have indeed! It’s a beautiful store and a tremendous addition to the neighborhood. I don’t know about you, but there’s always been something about quietly browsing stacks of books that makes me feel simultaneously calm and inspired. A couple of my recent favorites include “Euphoria” by Lily King and “Women’s Work” by Megan Stack. I’m delighted to have another independent bookstore in the neighborhood.

Read all our Pupper West Side interviews here!

If West Side Rag readers are interested in becoming pet owners, we encourage you to consider adopting or volunteering to be a foster parent with one of the many shelters and nonprofits based in and around New York City. These include but aren’t limited to: Muddy Paws Rescue; Animal Lighthouse Rescue; Animal Care Centers of NYC; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and Animal Haven.