In the heart of Sarasota’s charming Hudson Bayou neighborhood, where golf carts zip past banyan trees and neighbors greet each other like old friends, one very small dog is making a very big impact. His name is Boo—a five-year-old Miniature Dachshund with soulful eyes, short legs, and a star-quality presence that seems to brighten every sidewalk he scampers down.

 

Boo belongs to longtime Sarasota residents Bob and Julie Henry, who made this slice of paradise their permanent home in 2014 after retiring from a successful 25-year run with their advertising agency in Atlanta. “The moment we saw the blue waters of Sarasota Bay, we knew this was home,” says Julie. After a rental stint in Harbor Acres, the couple purchased a lot in Hudson Bayou—sight unseen, no less—with the help of Barbara May at Michael Saunders & Company. Two years later, they moved into their newly built dream home, nestled in one of Sarasota’s most beloved neighborhoods.

 

Julie, a true connector, now serves on the board of the Hudson Bayou Neighborhood Association and is affectionately known as the neighborhood welcome wagon lady. Bob is her co-pilot in their golf cart adventures, often spotted cruising to lunch at Gecko’s on Hillview or grabbing fresh fare from Morton’s. Whether it’s dinner at Veronica or game day at Legends, the Henrys are deeply woven into the social fabric of Southside Village—and yes, Boo comes too. (He’s particularly fond of “The Ledge,” where he receives more attention than the actual sports games.)

 

But Boo’s story begins during a quieter, more uncertain time—2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Having lost their beloved dog Buddy four years earlier, Bob and Julie felt the time was finally right to welcome a new four-legged companion. A trip to Paisley, Florida introduced them to a tiny pup whose parents had the musical names “Mr. Bo Jangles” and “Ode to Abby.” In that spirit, Boo got his own lyrical moniker—from the classic 1971 hit “Me and You and a Dog Named Boo.”

 

Since then, Boo has become a furry fixture in local parks and dog-friendly hangouts across Sarasota. He walks with his pack at Arlington Park’s small dog section, practices his squirrel-chasing sprints at Payne Park, and struts his stuff along the winding paths of The Bay. He’s partial to the breezes and biscuit stops at The Nest—and, true to his social butterfly status, he misses his visits to Oleary’s Tiki Bar.

 

Back in the neighborhood, Boo formed an instant bond with Bo, another “Covid puppy” just a month older. Whether it’s the canine connection or his deep affection for Bo’s humans, Buc and Peggy, Boo makes a beeline to their home on every walk. He’s become something of a community ambassador—always eager for pets, smiles, and perhaps a few extra treats.

 

A graduate of K9 Korral’s prestigious Puppy Kindergarten (complete with a cap-and-gown ceremony to “Pomp and Circumstance”), Boo still earns praise on his occasional Doggy Daycare visits, where staff affectionately refer to him as their “favorite little lowrider.”

 

Julie and Bob describe Boo as the heart of their home and the highlight of every day. “He makes us laugh constantly,” Julie says. “And when people see him coming, they just light up.”

 

In a town full of sunshine, culture, and coastal charm, Boo has carved out his own legacy—not just as the Henrys’ beloved pup, but as a joyful thread in the fabric of a close-knit community. After all, life in Sarasota is pretty great… but it’s even better with Boo.

 

For the Henry's gracious participation in this month's edition Christa Pacha of Wiggle Your Tail will be gifting Boo and family some special treats.