For nearly the last six years, Lakeside Painting’s office (and President Joe Pangburn’s truck) was brightened by the quirky and, we daresay, highly intelligent presence of Sasha the Airedale dog. Sasha was a regular fixture at the Lakeside office, occupying hallways, rooms, the shop floor, as well as a little corner nook that was outfitted with a high-quality doggy bed, upon which she passed several peaceful hours while Joe worked. She was also often found sleeping in odd positions with stuffed animals in her mouth. Sadly, Sasha passed away last month, leaving a big hole in the office and in the hearts of Lakeside’s employees.
Joe, always to be found in the company of the canine species, quickly brought home another Airedale puppy, which he and his wife Kim named Sylvie after much debate with family members. (Sylvie being the name of one of Lewis Carroll’s great fictional characters, Sylvie, from the novel Sylvie & Bruno.) The pup has revealed herself to be every bit as smart as Sasha while twice as stubborn and independent. Indeed, Sylvie is almost devilishly smart. Joe had very grand plans of quickly shaping Sylvie into a model pet, but she’s possessed of a rare talent for abstract thought and problem-solving abilities, which has put Joe and Kim on the defensive in training the pup.
That said, Sylvie really is a good puppy, and she loves to be around people and enjoys epic walks through town and country.