We met Sisu the Afghan Hound at the New Yorkie Runway show this past February where he was crowned Best in Show. These days the handsome pup is helping his mom, Laura Diaz, with her new Yappy Treats Cart doggy frozen yogurt business. The cart debuted in Central Park last weekend to lots of barks and tongue licks. We have sampled the dogfroyo and it is delicious! (And all-natural, too!) Follow @YappyTreatsCart on Twitter to find the cart. They also participate in many special events benefiting shelters and rescue groups including the upcoming Bideawee Take a Sip and Save a Life wine event on June 5 at 67 Wine.
We are happy to introduce you to Sisu!
Where are you from? I was born in Helsinki, Finland
How did you get your name? I was one of twelve in my litter so there was a lot of competition. Because I emerged as the leader of my pack, my dad named me ‘Sisu’. ‘Sisu’ (pronounced Seesoo) is a Finish term often described as integral to understanding the Finnish culture. It has been loosely translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity.
Introducing Sisu! (Photo credit: Laura Diaz)
What is your hood? Upper West Side
Fave dog-friendly NY spot? Definitely Amsterdam Ale House. They got the best beer and dog treats. It’s like Cheers, everybody knows my name.
Fave day trip from NY? I love riding in my dad’s truck. It doesn’t matter where we are going, as long as I can rest my muzzle on an open window and inhale.
Do you have any pet peeves? My half brother, Merlin, a crazy Weimaraner. He can be very annoying.
Human peeves? Having to move when my dad is trying to vacuum. Usually I pretend like I am sleeping and have him vacuum around him. Check out “Sisu and the vacuum cleaner” on YouTube to see what I mean!
What do you like to eat? I have a diverse palate when it comes to food; Japanese sushi, Mexican tamales, Thai noodles, etc., but admittedly my vice is pizza.
What do you think of your mom’s new Yappy Treats Cart? I was very happy with my mom making healthy doggie ice cream, until she starting giving it to other dogs. Now I have to guard the cart to make sure no one takes my stash.
If you could break biscuits with any doggy (past or present) who would that be? International Champion Afghan Hound from my kennel, Wild West.
Any famous humans you would like to meet? I have a picture with Jerry Stiller, which is pretty cool. He lives in my hood. No disrespect to Jerry but I have a soft spot for pretty ladies. I would not wash the spot on my head if Catherine Zeta Jones were to pet me.
Sisu with Jerry Stiller (Photo credit: Laura Diaz)
Birthday suit or dressed to the K-nines? Look, I carry a winter coat all year round. That’s enough for me. But I have my own collection of snoods. I have ones for my favorite sports teams, but I like my Harley Davidson snood the best. I also have an Angel on A Leash snood for my important work as a therapy dog.
Any new doggy products you can recommend? My mom’s Dogfroyo, of course! I watch her make it and it’s oh!… so good!
What’s in your doggy bag? My hair brush, a snood, and a couple of dollars to buy ice cream.
Favorite doggy charity? I don’t have one but if I had to choose I would give my bones to those Grey Hound rescues. They are way too thin.
Any human charities you like to support? Unicef because it focuses on children and let’s face it, I am a kid trapped in a dog’s body.
What is one thing other pups probably don’t know about you? A lot of pups are intimidated about my size but what they don’t know is that I am really skinny under all this hair. They should see me after a bath.
Upcoming summer plans? Marking the neighborhood, meeting bitches and keeping cool!
the pup diary 