I grew up in a big-dog household. The smallest dog we ever had growing up was a 20-pound golden doodle named Paris and she was the sweetest, but definitely an outlier. So never in a million years did I think I would have a little dog tiny enough to carry around in a shoulder bag — let alone two of them. But as I write this, I’m looking at my perfect angel babies, Martini (we call her Teenie) and my loverboy Brando, curled up like soft little croissants, and my heart bursts with love for the combined eight pounds of them.
You’ve surely seen Teenie and Brando on the BS Instagram and in past newsletters. Brando graced the cover of our how to de-stress issue and Martini was featured in our holiday-themed AMA (fair is fair). As you can probably tell, I’m obsessed with them — observing their little personalities (which are totally different), watching them play together (is this how parents feel?), listening to their tiny mouths chomp on their favorite veg, diced carrots — just bliss. If you’re a dog owner, you get it. But if you’re not, this letter might inspire you to find yourself a buddy. Martini came to me when I needed her…
The story starts five years ago. I was living in New York City wrapping up the second season of Dickinson. I was spending a lot of time alone in my tiny apartment, and I thought, it’s time for a dog.
With my lifestyle — bicoastal, then and now — I realized the dog would realistically have to be small enough to fit under an airplane seat. I considered a little doodle (a la Paris) and spent months researching and asking friends for recommendations, but no cute small dog felt right. I was about to call off the search — maybe the Universe is telling me to wait a few years? — then I met Martini. She was this perfect tiny baby, and I knew she was for me the second I held her. She actually didn’t feel real. (I had to see her poop to know she was.)
You’re a margarita girl, so why’d you name her Martini?
So glad you asked! In film terms, ‘Martini’ means the last shot of the day; when the director yells “Martini,” everyone starts packin’ up. Martini was the puppy I found right at the last second before calling the whole thing off. And obviously, she’s a four-pound thing, so it fit. (Fun idea: Send me your dog’s name story! I love this stuff.)
Teenie was our mascot on Dickinson. I brought her to set during season three. She’d get the zoomies through our dressing rooms and play hide-and-seek underneath my skirts. She was such a New York City girl.
I had Teenie for two years and then came her little brother…
I did the thing many single-dog parents do at some point: decide their first dog should have a sibling. Even though Teenie was with me constantly, I knew she’d love a buddy to play with. Also, when I first saw Brando (through a photo someone sent me), I instantly needed him the same way I needed her.
When Brando came to us, he was one pound. He’d slip-n-slide across our hardwood floors. During his first week at home, I couldn't find him, and he turned up behind a box curled up on a carpet sample!
Like I mentioned, the two of them have completely different personalities. Teenie is an independent queen, and Brando is a loverboy/cuddler. Whenever we bring them to a friend’s house or a backyard party and take my eyes off them for one second, I always search low for Teenie and high for Brando: She’s checking out someone’s feet, and he’s in their arms.
What they love to do: Brando loves a car ride. He will not walk on a leash, but if I open the garage door, he does the thing that most dogs do when they know they're getting a walk and sprints to the door. But Teenie loves a walk, so I'll walk her and carry him. Spoiled boy. They also love hanging with their grandparents. They used to panic when I pulled out my suitcase, but now they know it means they’re about to visit (and get pampered by) my parents.
The best dog carriers: I've tried a bunch of dog bags. Some were terrible, but then I found Sleepypod. It’s perfect. I put a blanket and pee pad inside for the dogs. It has a side pocket for treats, a collapsible bowl, and extra pee pads.
What I feed them: When I got Martini, I worried about her blood sugar ever dropping too low. I learned to feed her whatever she'd eat. I’d make myself a meal and save some for her. But then she got too smart for me and would stop eating halfway through whatever I made us, and I'd freak out and make her something new. She learned that if she held out, she’d get a second course; so it’s been a whole journey with food. They’re rather finicky. I cut up carrots for them. I really try to give them good, healthy food. They love watermelon. My favorite thing is to hear their little tiny mouths crunch the food.
Dog sweaters?: I ordered coats from The Dog Face for Buffalo, but sadly, they don't like them. I saw an Italian-made dog sweater at a store in Milan, and it took everything in me not to buy it for Martini. Sometimes, I’ll buy baby hair ties from the kids’ section of Target and put them in her hair. I recently got these tiny Slip scrunchies for myself, thinking they were the regular size, but when I opened the box, they turned out to be mini — win for Teenie.
Where they sleep: We love this dog bed from Furb.
Their favorite “chew toy”: You know how you get a kid a toy and they’re more interested in the box? Teenie and Brando's favorite toy is...a sock.
Grooming deets: They go to Jess Rona in L.A. She's amazing. In between haircuts, I wash them in the sink and then blow-dry them at home. They’re just so little.
Now for this week’s extra (non-dog-related) BS.
TO READ: My Vogue Philippines interview. Shameless plug, but the whole thing is out now. I mention you guys!
TO SHOP: Zac Posen’s Gap is so good. The barrel jeans.
TO TRY: Angel Margarita — out now!
TO COOK: Crispy spicy chickpeas with yogurt.
TO TAKE WITH YOU: A lovely reminder. “It could go a lot of (silly, joyful, weird, ever-changing, unexpected, etc.) ways.” -Sophia Joan Short
Love,
Hailee (Beau)
Highlighting your comments on the previous week’s issue. Today, we hear Anna’s response to Packing habits, truffle pasta & 100 years of Fendi.
“Hi Hailee! I just wanted to say how much I look forward to these little updates each Friday! They read like a text from a best friend, and I'm obsessed with the aesthetic of each issue. One of my personal travel non-negotiables is a good book (keeps me from mindlessly scrolling on my phone!!) I'm currently reading The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and it’s been so impactful. Similarly, your reminder to generously share our love with those around us really resonated with me. It's important to remember that we are all fighting hidden battles, and you'll never regret choosing to be kind. This issue left me feeling inspired to plan a trip and smile at someone today.” - Anna
PS: When you write in, please include your age and where you’re writing from, if you’re comfortable — it’s nice to add personal details to your shout-outs :)
