Almost Famous Dogs: Mary Lucia’s Crash

Mary's take on this photo: "Crash (front) and Smudge rehearsing their chorus line dance number. Move over Rockettes, it's the Pugettes."

Longtime Sidewalk Dog readers might remember 89.3 The Current’s hostess with the mostess Mary Lucia from the first installment of our Almost Famous Dogs series, when she introduced us to her sassy pug, Smudge.

Since then, Smudge has gone from only dog to partner in crime, gaining a sibling in another pug named Crash last February. The two often grace their mom’s Facebook page, posing for glamour shots and offering bon mots like, “I’m not amused at the frat boys screaming and pitching horseshoes in the front yard. But I’ll let it slide ’cause I’m chill like that,” and “Shhhh … Crash, is that the Turkey Sammich truck I hear?” Mary also uses the FB forum to narrate the ups and downs of being a pet parent, such as, “I freaked when I saw what I thought was blood on Smudge’s head until I realized it was my stupid lipstick from giving her a thousand baby kisses.” [Editor’s note: We have so been there.] In this updated Almost Famous Dogs, we talked to Mary about life in a two-pug household:

Sidewalk Dog: How has Smudge adjusted to no longer being an only pug?

Mary Lucia: He’s attached at the hip to Smudge. In fact, Crash could learn a little something about personal space.

Mary shows some pug love.

And now, all the details you Almost Famous Dogs hounds could want (plus a little more):

Nicknames: Crash and Burn.

Breed: Pug.

Age: 1 year.

Favorite toy: Anything that Smudge is playing with.

Favorite treats: Greenies … They’re supposed to “freshen” his breath.

Crash’s favorite place to hang out: I can’t leave the room without both dogs at my ankle, and carrying a full laundry basket down the stairs puts me at great risk of breaking my neck. Crash is at my foot every step of the way.

Favorite dog park: He’s not really a dog park kind of dog; he’s not unfriendly to other dogs, he’d just rather be with me, sitting on the sofa with a cocktail.

Favorite dog-friendly coffee shop: Urban Bean

Favorite dog-friendly store: I wish Target would allow pets. Then, maybe Smudge and Crash would chip in for the cost of food and toys.

Crash contemplates making a run for it.

Favorite pet store: Calhoun Pet Supply

Favorite dog-friendly vacation: Cruising with the top down in my VW Bug. They’re my pugs in a Bug.

Best trick: After Smudge relentlessly licks Crash’s ear, he’ll roll on his back and cover his face.

Crash’s best friend: Smudge. Cats? What cats?

Favorite way to get attention/treats: Pushes his extra-large head into my hand holding the treat.

Smudge "relentlessly licking Crash's ear."

Favorite naughty behavior/bad habit: Grazing in the litter box buffet.

Sleeps on bed, couch, dog bed, floor, or outside: In bed with me.

Be honest: Do you ever use baby talk when speaking to your dog? I honestly can’t make my voice that high, but they do enjoy when I speak to them with the accent of an English charwoman.

Are your dogs friends with any other celebrity dogs? Crash is too new, but sharing the spotlight with Internet sensation Smudge has been good for him.

–Meredeth Barzen