Gizmo the Goldendoodle!
How long has your family lived in the neighborhood? What do you like most about living here?
We've been living in Trails at Chestnut Grove for over five years now, and it's been an excellent place to raise our children and for families with pets. It's a safe and friendly neighborhood. Plus, we’re just a short distance from Porter Park and the Champaign Bark District Dog Park, which makes it even more enjoyable for outdoor activities.
What's your pet's name, age, sex, and breed / type? Please share any interesting background about their breed, if applicable.
Our pet's name is Gizmo, and he’s a 4-year-old Goldendoodle. Goldendoodles are known for being incredibly intelligent and great with families. They’re also hypoallergenic, which is a huge plus for families like ours who have allergy concerns.
When and how did Gizmo come to join your family?
He joined our family in 2020. We weren’t initially looking for a pet, but the opportunity came up when one of my husband's work colleagues mentioned seeing the perfect dog for our family. At first, my husband needed some convincing, especially from the kids, but he eventually warmed up to the idea. Now, my husband and Gizmo are best of friends and inseparable.
Is there a story behind your pet’s name? How did you and your family come up with it?
Gizmo is named after the character from the 80's Gremlins movie. When he was born, he had brown fur with white patches, which made him look a lot like Gizmo. We also found ourselves following a lot of instructions on how to care for him as a puppy, which reminded us of the rules in the movie—like not feeding him after midnight!
What's the one trait or behavior that makes Gizmo stand out from the rest?
He stands out for his incredible ability to adapt to the family’s mood. He seems to instinctively know when we’re in the mood for a relaxing day and when we’re ready for an adventure.
Does he have any unique talents or tricks?
He knows several tricks, including sitting, shaking with both paws, lying down, and rolling over.
Does he have any favorite toys or treats?
Gizmo loves all kinds of treats! We have a BarkBox subscription, and he gets so excited for the new treats and toys that arrive each month. He also has a soft spot for chewing on socks and slippers!
Tell us about your favorite memory with Gizmo.
We have so many great memories with him, but one of the most fun was when he saw snow for the first time as a puppy. At first, he wasn’t sure what to make of it, but it didn’t take long before he was jumping in it, rolling around, and even trying to eat it!
Where does Gizmo love to hang out in the neighborhood? Who are your pet's favorite playmates in the neighborhood?
Gizmo’s best friend is Scout, a German Shepherd who lives nearby in Abbey Fields. He loves walking over to Scout’s house for playdates. He also enjoys playing with Jupiter, our next-door neighbor’s Shiba Inu.
Are there any local businesses or parks your pet particularly enjoys visiting?
Gizmo loves going to daycare at Ruff Dayz! He’s been attending since he was a puppy, and the staff there are amazing. They always have fun activities for the dogs. Gizmo also enjoys visiting Porter Park and Hessel Park, especially because of all the squirrels there. And of course, he’s a fan of the Champaign Bark District Dog Park!
If your pet could choose any adventure to go on, what would it be?
If Gizmo could choose any adventure, it would definitely be a day spent exploring a forest or nature trail. He loves chasing squirrels at the park and running off-leash in open spaces, so an adventure filled with plenty of room to roam and discover would be his dream come true!
Gizmo's owners, the Ochoas, live in Trails at Chestnut Grove.