Owner: Dr. Ludy Green, founder of Second Chance Employment Services (scesnet.org), a nonprofit that promotes financial security for at-risk women and their dependents through training and employment placement
Dog: Piccolo, 1 1/2 years old, Maltese
Residence: Spring Valley in D.C.
How did you name him?
Basically because he is small, it’s an Italian thing to say you’re small, piccolo.
How did you choose your dog?
I always wanted to have a dog that I could carry and that would be anti-allergy, I cannot have a dog that will shed. Basically I was looking for a lap dog and that’swho he is. He is very clean and so smart.
How did you train your dog?
I was going to take him to a special trainer and even signed him up, but this dog is so smart, this type of dog is so amazing. I have taught him to do tricks, I have taught him to let me know when he needs to go to the restroom. He scratches my leg and starts going down the stairs so I need to open the door and let him out. He’s so cute.
Does your dog have a favorite toy?
He plays with a squeaky little pig, he loves it. He’s a fat little pig, he takes it everywhere, it’s bigger than he is. Piccolo is very small, he’s only 3 1/2 pounds.
What does your dog like to eat?
I get him different things. His regular food is baby food for dogs, he likes to chew on this bone that I get him, it’s like a treat, it tastes like beef jerky. He’s obsessed with popcorn but I know I cannot give it to him. He likes bananas.
Where does your dog sleep?
With me.
Does he have any funny quirks?
He’s addicted to pencils, he eats all my daughter’s pencils.
Do you dress him up in outfits?
I have a Juicy Couture outfit, that’s my favorite because I wear it, the pink with green. I got them in L.A. for him. He has this necklace with little diamonds; Paris Hilton has it for her dog. He looks cute!
