Meet Oscar
Precious Pets on the Porches of I'On
Hello, neighbors! My name is Oscar, and if you’ve lived in I’On anytime in the last decade,
chances are you’ve seen me around. I’m an 11-year-old French Bulldog, and while I may be
short in stature, I’m long on experience and stubbornness!
I moved here in 2016 with my humans, and since then, I’ve lived in four different houses within
I’On. That’s a lot of porches, windows, and bushes to sniff! Each one holds its own set of
memories, but the neighborhood itself has always felt like home. I know the walking trails better than anyone, and I’m proud to say I’ve left my mark—figuratively and literally.
Let me tell you a little about my people. My mom is an interior designer, which means I’m no
rookie when it comes to living through renovations. My dad is retired now, which means he’s
always available for walks, treats, afternoon naps, and opening the porch door... and then the
back door... and then the porch again. I like to keep him busy.
At home, I have a basket full of toys, but it’s all about the orange ball. I chase it, hide it, put it in
a shoe, or sometimes just carry it around to show it off. Our current house has what I call The
Window—a perfect perch where I can monitor the neighborhood. Delivery people, squirrels,
dogs passing by with their humans—nothing escapes my watchful eye. My parents say I take
porch patrol a little too seriously. With so many humans walking by— their faces right at my eye level— I take my guard dog duties very seriously. Don’t worry, I like passersby just fine, but I do enjoy the occasional “sneak attack” bark. It’s really the only time I use my voice... and I like to make it count!
Now, let’s talk about the best part of the day: Walk Time. I get to go for at least an hour every
day, and my parents let me pick the route—always. Sometimes we pass my old houses, so I can relive the good old days. Other times, we stop by my babysitter’s house to say hello- She gives great ear scratches. I love seeing familiar faces, chasing lizards and geese, and surprising turtles. My dad likes to regularly remind everyone that my daily walk is less about the overall mileage and more about the “sniffs per mile”.
I may be older now—my walks are a bit slower, my naps a bit longer—but I still love this
neighborhood as much as the day I arrived. There’s something special about I’On: the people,
the porches, the peaceful paths. From my spot by the window to my favorite shady corner in the backyard, I’ve seen it all, and I still greet each day with excitement (and endless glances toward the treat jar).
So the next time you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say hi. I’m Oscar, keeper of the
orange ball, and your friendly neighborhood tour guide. It’s been a great ride so far—and I’ve
got plenty more laps around the lakes to go.