Generations of Disney fans have delighted at the tale of Lady and the Tramp. The uptown, purebred cocker spaniel is smitten with the rascally, fun-loving mongrel. One spaghetti dinner later, and the rest is history.

The Friedman family, who call Quin Abbey Ct. West home, get to relive that classic story every day. Maisy, a nine-year-old border-Aussie mix, plays the role of Lady. Bear, a one-year-old rottweiler, is the Tramp. “One morning while greeting students outside of Riverside Elementary, he came bouncing up the sidewalk,” Erin recalls. “He was happy as can be.”

Unlike Tramp, Bear wasn’t exactly a stray—he was chipped. Fortunately for the Friedmans, he was somewhat of a transient. Bear’s family couldn’t give the energetic pup the attention he needed, and they were looking for a new home for him. “My heart was incredibly full when he became a part of our family,” Erin says. Bear joined Erin, husband Dan, and college-aged daughters Sophia and Chloe to round out the household.

Bear and Maisy are now fast friends. They both love to chase balls, take long walks, and visit dog parks. Treat-filled Kongs are a big hit. Bear is also partial to sticks and stuffed animals. Like his fictional counterpart, Bear is also the gregarious sort. “He is always happy to see Vicky, the German shepherd next door, and Daisy, the golden retriever two doors down,” says Erin. “He’s never met a stranger and will greet you every time with kisses.”

Both dogs have their own special talents. Like any respectable herding breed, “Maisy is really good at catching a tennis ball and returning it,” says Erin. Bear is an excellent jumper who has also taught himself to open doors with lever-style handles. “I didn’t believe it until I saw him jump on the back door handle, push the door, and let himself out.” Ever the rogue, that Tramp!

Like any pup, Bear is still learning basic commands like sit and stay, although he may just be dragging his paws. “He’s very smart and good at playing aloof,” Erin says. Still, his positives far outweigh any negatives. Maisy enjoys having an outdoor playmate, and he brings joy to everyone he meets. “It’s impossible not to smile when he’s close.”

Lady and the Tramp, Maisy and Bear. Life imitates art, and the results are fun for the whole family.