This month, we feature “Boogie Bear,” a 6-year old Shih-Tzu who is also known as “Baby Boo.” “Baby Boo” is a part of the family of Pat Rice, a member of our China Inventory team. This lovable and courageous animal was born with a birth defect that causes his legs to bow outward, sometimes creating walking difficulties for him. For this reason, Baby Boo is often seen being pushed around in a stroller by Pat. Wherever he goes though, he attracts a lot of attention, calling to mind the quote by Marjorie Garber, “Both powerfully imaginary and comfortingly real, dogs act as mirrors for our own beliefs about what would constitute a truly humane society. Perhaps it is not too late for them to teach us some new tricks.”

Baby Boo was born in Granbury, Texas and was the runt of a litter of three puppies. Sadly, his mom died four days after giving birth to him. Pat was ready to get a new pet and she immediately fell in love with Baby Boo. When Pat decided to move from Texas to West Virginia, she sent Baby Boo to temporarily stay with her mother in Eden, North Carolina. Pat’s mother, or “Grammie” became quite attached to Baby Boo. Because of his birth defect, Grammie purchased Baby Boo a stroller. This made traveling with him much easier and Grammie quickly had Baby Boo out seeing the world. Baby Boo has been to West Virginia, Texas, Washington, D.C., and even New York City.

Pat eventually moved to Greensboro, North Carolina and began working for Replacements, Ltd. She says that she now has to share custody of Baby Boo with her mom. Over the years, Baby Boo has been a great comfort to Pat’s mother. Pat and her mother take Baby Boo with them whenever possible. He has visited nursing homes, banks, and yes, Replacements, Ltd. He always draws a lot of attention to himself and has been photographed numerous times. 

When asked what she liked most about Replacements pet-friendly policy, Pat had this to say, “Boo loves visiting the Replacements, Ltd. showroom. It gives him a chance to get out of the house and visit my friends and coworkers at Replacements.  Also, Baby Boo is accustomed to fine dinnerware. His water bowl is from Royal Albert’s Blossom Time.