Some of you have asked how Burger is settling into the new house. Short answer: wonderfully. Longer answer: he’s taken to it with the kind of calm confidence only a small but opinionated chihuahua can muster.
It took him just a day or two to learn where his food bowl belongs and which door to wait at when he needs to go outside. Beyond those practicalities, he has been busy exploring and re-discovering favorite perches, rugs, and windowsills. Over the past couple of months he’s made the place his own, and here’s a little update on what life looks like for Burger in our new home.
Almost right after we moved in he found a sun-warmed corner of the living room rug and staked his claim. Every morning he’d park himself there and soak up the light like a tiny, furry radiator, eyes half-closed and utterly content. That spot quickly became part of his daily routine—get comfy, enjoy the sun, groom a bit, and then stretch out for a nap.
As is true of many pets, his routine has evolved as the furniture arrived. The new sectional—nicknamed Karl—sometimes blocks that afternoon sunspot, so Burger adapted by seeking new sunny locations. Lately he’s been known to curl up right on the windowsill, nestling into a rolled-up blanket that smells like family. We brought home Clara’s hospital blanket for him to get used to her scent, and it’s now his comfort blanket. He will happily burrow into it and claim it as his own.
On cold mornings you’ll often find Burger perched in someone’s lap, which is a win for everyone: he gets warmth and company, and we get instant cuddles. He’s an expert at choosing the coziest spot in the house, whether that’s a lap, a rug, or the end of a bed. Despite the new environment, he still loves the old comforts.
Burger sometimes takes on the role of official supervisor during Clara’s playtime. Supervision mostly involves napping nearby and opening one eye to check that things are proceeding safely. He’s mellow, but don’t be fooled—if he hears a strange noise outside, he’ll erupt into a string of barking that lets you know he takes neighborhood security seriously. That sudden shift from sleepy to vigilant is one of his more charming traits.
He also enjoys “quality control” for new purchases around the house. Our new duvet and the recently acquired sectional pillows both passed his inspection with flying colors. Even before the full sectional was set up, we tested the pillows on the office sleeper sofa and Burger immediately claimed them, kneading and flopping as if to say, “approved.” He takes his testing duties very seriously, which is convenient when you want an honest opinion on how pet-friendly items will hold up.
When he’s not supervising or approving decor, Burger makes time for play. One of his favorite toys is a tiny stuffed chihuahua we call Divalectible, complete with a pink feather boa. It was originally a gift for Clara but Burger adopted it as his own. He carries it, tosses it around, and even tucks it under his chin while he naps. The toy’s silly name has stuck, much like many pet nicknames do, and it’s become an essential part of his routine.
Unsurprisingly, Burger still spends a large portion of his day tucked under covers or burrowed in a warm nest. The new house has offered plenty of fresh spots to explore, but his preferences remain classic: sunny corners, soft blankets, and our laps. In short, the move hasn’t changed who he is—he’s still our relaxed, sentimental, occasionally dramatic eight-pound dog who knows exactly how to make himself at home.
So that’s what our oldest four-legged family member has been up to while we paint, demo, or rearrange things around the house. Life is good when you’re a small dog with a big personality, and Burger is thriving in the new space—supervising, testing, napping, and keeping the household fully entertained.
Psst—if all goes as planned, we might post another update soon. We’ve finally gained momentum on the guest bedroom with only a few days before relatives arrive, so we’re likely busy finishing touches right now. And yes, Burger will almost certainly be supervising.