Baby Elmo, a soft and tiny 2 ½ pound Malti-poo, changed my life while I was consulting for WQED, home of Mr. Rogers. After a lifetime with cats and loving all animals, I decided to finally own a dog of my own and take on the responsibility of being a dog parent.

I knew you could simply bring a baby kitty home, give them lots of love & kisses, show them where the litter pan lives and BOOM!!! - They’re housebroken!!!

I was soon to learn it takes a village to raise an Elmo:

• $1,000 pitt stops at the "PetPoor" Store to outfit his nursery
• Dog-clicking Nazi trainer who lasted ½ of one home visit
• Dog-whispering hippie to puppy-proof our home with good aura
• Pet Vet-Hospital with doting attendants
• Off-hour Emergency Room
• Loving Dog Walkers
• Basic Obedience Class
• Volunteer visits with seniors
• Various Boarding Kennels
• Intermediate Obedience Class
• Bed and Breakfast
• One Great Groomer
• Advanced Obedience Class
• Certification with Therapy Dog International

Finally, it’s no longer a hyper Marley and Me, but Lo & Mo. Everyone loves Elmo, particularly his adoring Doggie Daycare Family. He’s the official greeter at our dog park, my best little buddy, co-pilot and road warrior - a bright, happy spirit just bursting with joy and ready for his close up.

He really is my Saint Elmo.