The McCullouchs! Once Oxford weekenders, Leon and Libby now call Oxford their home after moving here permanently at retirement. The family has loved two ‘sets’ of Yorkies, all with stories. Annie, from the original pair, was famous (infamous?) for squealing like a seal when being left behind when the family traveled. Yes, a seal. Now, just picture a teeny tiny Yorkie making that kind of huge, honking, SeaWorld-worthy commotion!
Today, Leon and Libby share their home with the adorable Apple and Sissy. The two look so much alike – despite a 4 year age difference – that admirers often think they are twins and the McCullouchs sometimes have to look twice to tell them apart. They may look like mirror images, but the two have very different personalities. Apple, the big sister, is quite the ‘wild child’, having run with a pack of rough and tumble siblings as a puppy. Never content as a lap dog, Apple remains independent and stubborn when it comes to being trained or following the rules of others; she has more important duties and talents.
As a surprise Valentine gift for Libby (and Apple), Leon brought Sissy home a couple of years ago and Apple immediately took on the position of teacher, becoming the role model for newcomer Sissy. Sissy is quite the copy-cat, following Apple’s lead on everything and everywhere – indoors and out. Apple even communicates for both, barking when they must have some attention.
Recovering from recent knee surgery, Libby says the two are also pretty good therapists, as they love to walk and put on a pretty good show parading with their chew toys and playing chase with rope ‘bones’ almost as big as each other. They’re also quite accomplished at simply looking pretty – ensconced and posed on the back of the sofa – where they can see outside and more importantly, everyone can see them.