Vivi!

The Sweetest Little Escape Artist on the Block

Photo credit: Becca Alvord


If you’ve spent any time strolling through the neighborhood or wandering the trails at East Side Park, chances are you’ve seen her, a stunning mini bernedoodle with a coat that looks like it was painted by an artist. Swirls of brown, black, white, and merle blend into one truly unforgettable pup. Her name is Vivienne, Vivi for short, and she kinda turns heads everywhere she goes.

But Vivi is far more than just a pretty face.

Named after a charming woman, her Mom, Jeanne McGrath, met while traveling in France, Vivi has grown into a dog whose personality shines even brighter than her beautiful coat. Sweetness defines her. She greets every human and dog like a long-lost friend, often dropping into an irresistible “downward dog” pose to invite playtime. She’s gentle and friendly, never bossy…but don’t let that fool you, she loves a good chase and can keep up with the best of them.

Her social calendar is packed. Regular walks around the neighborhood, adventures on the Lake Quvira trails, and playdates at East Side Park keep her busy. Among her many friends, Nellie, Louie, Wilson, and Salvie…there’s one special pup who has her heart: Callie, a sweet little black dog from nearby.

Vivi is also quite the companion for errands and adventures. Hardware store trip? She’s in. Dog-friendly shopping? Count her in. Long car ride to Table Rock Lake? She’ll quietly settle in for the entire 3½-hour drive like a seasoned traveler.

 Once there, she’s living her best life and lounging on her very own float (yes, she insisted on one!) tied to her Mommy while they drift the day away on the water. Winter doesn’t slow her down either; she delights in playing in the snow, flipping it playfully into the air.

At home, Vivi is calm, cuddly, and well-mannered. She doesn’t bark unnecessarily, beg for food, or bounce off the walls. Instead, she’s happiest snuggled up close, quietly enjoying her people. And when Mom returns home, whether it’s been 30 minutes or several hours, Vivi delivers the same enthusiastic welcome every time, as if to say, “Where have you been all my life?”

Of course, no pup is completely perfect…

Vivi has a secret talent: she’s a bit of a Houdini. As a young pup, she once bent the steel bars of her kennel to make a daring escape, promptly ending her crate days forever. Since then, she’s learned how to open doors… even a locked sliding one. These days, Mom relies on a “three-point security system” just to keep this clever girl safely inside.

And when her favorite human friend, OJ, stops by? All bets are off. Manners disappear instantly as Vivi launches into full treat-hunting mode, climbing right into his personal space (and pockets) with zero hesitation.

Smart, sweet, adventurous, and just a little bit mischievous, Vivi is the kind of dog who leaves a lasting impression. Around the lake, she’s not just a pet… she’s a neighborhood treasure.