Meet Fitzgerald — aka Fitz, Fitzie, The Little King, and Bub — a 9½-year-old Australian Labradoodle from British Columbia with a joyful spirit, loyal heart, and a touch of opinionated charm. Calm, easygoing, and always happiest in the mountains, Fitz is an outdoor adventurer who loves long hikes, cozy cuddles, and carrying his favourite toy wherever he goes. Whether he’s exploring Canada’s most beautiful trails or rocking his favourite Rover bandana, this adorable pup reminds us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in every moment. Follow along on all of his adventures here: @fitzgeraldbartholomew

1. What is your dog’s name (+ nick names), breed, age, and where do you live?

Fitzgerald, aka Fitz, Fitzie, The Little King, Bub. He is. 9 1/2 year old Australian Labradoodle from British Columbia.

2. How would you describe your dog’s personality in three words?

Joyful, loyal, and opinionated.

3. What makes your dog unique compared to other dogs of their breed?

We don’t have many doodle friends, but from what I understand, he’s a lot more calm mannered. He’s always been this way, he was easy to train and never had a difficult puppy phase. 

4. How did you and your dog first meet?

He was supposed to go home to a family in Toronto who backed out last minute and decided to wait for a female. I found out I was getting him with only 24 hours notice. Life has been so much better since! 

5. What does a typical day look like for your dog?

I work from home so he usually sleeps in while I start my day; he takes his beauty sleep quite seriously. After work we go for a run/walk, then visit family or head home to wind down for the evening. We take a long weekend once a month so we can get out of town. Our favourite escape spots are my families cabin, Tofino, Jasper, Golden or Canmore.

6. Is your dog more of a city pup or an outdoor adventurer?

100% outdoor adventurer. He’s happiest in the mountains and roles his eyes when I take him shopping. We spent his 9th birthday doing a 9 hour hike in Glacier National Park - I can’t imagine spending his special day doing anything else.

7. What are your dog’s favourite activities?

Hiking, cuddling, lounging and playing with his friends. My family has GSP’s and he loves running around with them, however, he does not understand their obsession with birds. 

8. Does your dog have any funny habits or quirks?

He is fairly attached to his toys and likes to take them for walks with him. He is also quite vocal, but not in a way that he barks at everyone. When he notices people are arguing or doesn’t get what he wants he will start whining and barking. He only makes this noise when he’s fed up, while it’s a little annoying, I find it hilarious that he’s using his words to get a point across. 

9. How would you describe your dog’s style — sporty, chic, playful, or classic?

Sporty. He isn’t crazy about clothes, so his outfits are usually functional for the weather. Thats why we love the bandanas, they provide a pop of colour without bothering him. 

10. What are your dog’s must-have accessories for walks or outings?

A nice leash, collar, bandana and camera for photos. For hikes we ensure we have his first-aid kit, appropriate dog shoes for weather conditions, water, food and treats. 

11. Which Rover Boutique products are your dog’s favourites and why?

Bandanas. They are fun and he doesn’t mind wearing them. I like that I can coordinate his bandana with my outfit. 

12. Do strangers ever stop you to comment on your dog’s look?

Yes! Normal questions such as where is he from, how old he is, where we bought his accessories. I’ve also been asked if his hair is coloured, didn’t know that was a thing!

13. What is your dog’s favourite toy right now?

Anything by chuck-it, he’s obsessed with the indoor fetch balls. He’s also very attached to his emotional support puppy and takes it to bed with him each night. 

14. Favourite treat or snack?

Anything natural. I cook for him a lot, he loves prawns, scallops, turkey and steak. I usually buy kangaroo treats since they are low calories. 

15. Favourite place to nap?

In my arms. 

16. Favourite season of the year and why?

The fall! The temperature is great for being outdoors, it usually hasn’t rained too much  and during the early fall we still have enough daylight. 

17. Favourite word your dog knows?

Anything that starts with “do you want...” because it’s usually followed by something he wants. 

18. What’s one training tip that worked really well for your dog?

Be patient and spend quality time with them. You can’t expect an understimulated dog to behave. Fitz is 9 1/2 and I can still see behavioural changes if he doesn’t get 1 - 1 1/2 hours of exercise a day. 

19. What’s one thing you’ve learned from being a dog parent?

There is beauty all around us. Seeing Fitzgerald appreciate the small things makes me realize what really matters. 

20. Any advice for new dog owners?

Get a dog that works for your lifestyle, they are a commitment, but they are so amazing. Make sure you do preventive care, the time goes fast, keep them healthy for as long as you can! I’ve been brushing his teeth twice daily since he was quite young, takes minimal time and the vet notices how good is dental health is. 

Also, bring your dog on that trip! They only get to experience what you allow them to, make their world a little bigger. 

21. How do you keep your dog happy and mentally stimulated?

I like to put aside the first 10-15 minutes of our evening walk for him to follow his nose and take in new smells. After that we usually run for a few KM’s before enjoying a walk together. The smelling helps with mental stimulation, the run keeps us happy and healthy, and then we finish with the walk for quality time together. If I have a busy day where I may be working 12-16 hours, I try to provide enrichment toys and my parents are helpful in “puppy-sitting” if I drop him off. 

Rapid Fire Questions:

Treats or toys? Toys

Beach or park? Beach 

Early mornings or late-night cuddles? Both

Zoomies or naps? Both