Exclusive Interview with Ada: The Handsomest Dog in Raleigh
Move over, internet-famous cats. Raleigh has a new reigning royal: Ada, the German Shepherd with soulful eyes, impeccable charm, and a howl that could melt hearts. We sat down (literally, in the woods) with Ada for an exclusive, tail-wagging interview about life, love, hiking, and what it means to be truly handsome.
Q: Ada, you’ve recently been crowned the handsomest dog in Raleigh. How does it feel?
Ada: Honestly, I’ve always known. But it’s nice to have it made official. I’m a humble girl, but when every squirrel, child, and grown adult stops in their tracks to admire me, you start to suspect something.
Q: Let’s talk about your name. Where did “Ada” come from?
Ada: I’m a German Shepherd, so my name had to reflect my roots. “Ada” is German for noble and kind—a perfect fit, really. Wendy is 100% German, and Jonathan’s about 30%, so I’m practically part of the family tree. The name suits me: dignified, loyal, and just the right amount of dramatic.
Q: You had TPLO surgery a while back. Can you tell us what that was like?
Ada: Oh, it was ruff. I had to slow down, which I hated. Before the surgery, I could leap over logs like a deer. After, I had to take it easy. But my humans were amazing. They never left my side, and they even stopped walking on pavement just for me. We hike in the woods now. It’s peaceful, and the smells—oh, the smells!
Q: What’s a typical day like for you now?
Ada: Mornings start with a howl when Wendy gets up. I like to sing her a little song. Then I supervise breakfast, check the perimeter of the farmhouse, and nap while my humans do their people-things. If it’s a good day, we go hiking. Otherwise, I spend time planning my next great escape from the bathtub.
Q: What’s your favorite trail?
Ada: There’s a secret spot near the lake where I can splash and chase frogs. But don’t ask me to give away the location. A girl needs her private retreat.
Q: What makes you howl besides Wendy getting home?
Ada: The command “sing.” It awakens something in my soul. It’s like I channel the ancient wolves of the North. Also, sometimes if someone plays harmonica or hits just the right note on a kettle whistle.
Q: If you had a motto, what would it be?
Ada: “Sniff deeply, love fiercely, nap often.”
Q: Do you have any fashion advice for other dogs trying to reach your level of handsomeness?
Ada: Be natural. I don’t do sweaters. If the Good Lord wanted us in clothes, He wouldn’t have given us fur. Just keep your coat glossy, your ears perked, and your posture proud.
Q: Any favorite toys?
Ada: I have a squeaky squirrel named Greg. We have a complicated relationship. One day I love him, the next I bury him in the laundry pile. It’s dramatic, but no actual squirrels are involved.
Q: Let’s talk food. Any guilty pleasures?
Ada: I don’t get table scraps—my humans are serious about keeping me healthy. But I do get glucosamine and chondroitin chews for my joints. They’re not bacon, but they’re not bad either. I pretend they’re fancy spa snacks.
Q: What do you think sets you apart from other dogs in Raleigh?
Ada: I walk with purpose. I listen with my whole heart. And I don’t just look handsome—I live handsomely. It’s about presence. It’s about grace. It’s about knowing when to bark and when to just stare into your soul.
Q: What do you love most about your humans?
Ada: Everything. They’re patient with me, they understand my limits, and they include me in their lives. I’m not a pet. I’m family. I’m their shadow, their guardian, and their best hiking buddy.
Q: What would you say to all your fans in Raleigh and beyond?
Ada: Keep chasing your dreams like I chase squirrels—with reckless joy. And remember: being handsome isn’t about looks. It’s about heart. Unless you’re me. Then it’s also about looks.
Q: Last question: Any future plans?
Ada: I’m thinking about launching a line of organic dog treats. Maybe write a memoir. Or just nap more. Yeah, let’s start with that.