Erika Puskar & Abby Rose

She’s got a panda, a routine, and no patience for your late-night plans.

Tell us about your dog and what makes them special to you.

This is Abby Rose my fourteen year old pug.  She has developed many names over the years including Abbs, Ab-best, Abby Rosie and also, Mariposa.  She is very very particular and does not interact with many other dogs.  She prefers humans, especially humans who give her treats and massages.  She loves turkey sticks the most.  She also loves her panda bear stuffed animal.  She sleeps with him—a deep sleep that includes loud snoring.  Her first panda bear stuffed animal was disintegrating after 10 years so I had to search the internet to find the exact same one and then wash him a few times to make him look older. 

What has been the greatest blessing your dog has brought to your life?

I have had five pugs in the course of my life and Abby by far is the most connected to me.  She brings me so much joy and companionship. I take her everywhere I can.  She used to travel a lot between New York City and Florida, but now we mainly stay in Florida as she is older and has gained a few pounds and doesn’t like to fly as much.  

Share a funny moment involving your dog that you will never forget.

After Abby eats dinner in the late afternoon, she stares me straight in the eye and starts barking and runs to her stairs at the foot of my bed. She commands me to get ready for bed.  I tell her, “Abby, it isn’t time for bed yet.”  Sometimes she persists and I finally give up and go to bed to watch TV as early as 6pm. 

You May Also Like
Two women compete in a beach volleyball match, both jumping at the net to hit the ball. One wears a blue uniform, the other maroon and white. The sky is clear and spectators are visible in the background. Lifestyle
Dig Deeper 
May 20, 2026
A hot & unbothered man with blond hair and a black shirt sits on a light-colored couch, hands clasped, in a modern room. Behind him, a neon sign boldly declares, "You can be normal or you can be an ICON. Lifestyle
Hot & Unbothered
May 5, 2026
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black top and blue jeans, sits smiling on a light yellow curved sofa against a pale wall—her calm presence belying any sense of being Shaken to the Core. Lifestyle
Shaken to the Core
May 5, 2026
A magazine page features "Dog Days of Summer" with a photo of a woman and her dog on a couch—perfect for pet lovers. There’s a Q&A interview, animal rescue info, the Tricounty Animal Rescue logo, and Lifestyle magazine covers at the bottom. Lifestyle
Calling All Pet Lovers
April 30, 2026
Julie Shvedyuk

Julie Shvedyuk | VP of Operations
California Closets Miami and Broward

Read More
A woman with long brown hair wearing a strapless olive-green top and high-waisted tan pants stands indoors, smiling, with one arm resting on a wall. She is accessorized with bracelets, a necklace, and channelling Xena's confident energy. Lifestyle
Calling All Women of Influence & Innovation

Own Your Spotlight—Get Featured in Our September Issues

Read More
Calling All Men of Influence & Innovation

Make Your Mark—Get Featured This October

Read More
Jackie Ducci, Ralphie & Sadie

From Saddles to Service, Jackie was always meant to create the Human-Animal Alliance.

Read More
Other Posts
The C.A.T. Dogs

150 Canine Volunteers Provide Comfort to South Floridians in Need  A teenager at a South Florida hospital refused to participate in physical therapy.  Nurses and therapists tried everything they could think of, but the young patient remained withdrawn and uncooperative. Then Rosie, a bearded collie, quietly entered the room and settled beside the teen. Almost by instinct,

Read More
A fluffy gray and white C.A.T. Dog named Rosie wears a purple vest while being petted by a person with colorful bracelets in a hospital room. Medical equipment is visible in the background. Lifestyle
From Laboratory Cages to South Florida Sunshine

Former Research Beagles Get a Second Chance at Tri-County Animal Rescue On an overcast afternoon at Tri-County Animal Rescue in Boca Raton, three beagles cautiously step into a fenced dog park. The morning rain has given way to a patch of sunlight, and a rainbow is beginning to emerge from the clouds.  At first, the

Read More
A happy beagle, once among laboratory animals, now lies on green grass in South Florida with a plush toy, tongue out and looking at the camera. A black fence and lush green trees are visible in the background. Lifestyle
MADD Dash 5K Raises More Than $260,000 in the Fight Against Drunk Driving

In the ongoing fight against drunk driving and drugged driving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Southeast Florida hosted its 15th Annual UKG & Salah Foundation Hero’s Pride Move with MADD & MADD Dash Fort Lauderdale 5K Presented by the Florida Panthers & the Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County on April 26, 2026.  Founder and Honorary Chairperson Heather Geronemus founded Move With MADD and MADD Dash

Read More
A male runner crosses the MADD Dash 5K finish line, breaking the tape and spreading his arms in triumph. An overhead banner reads “MADD IMPAIRED DRIVING ENDS HERE” as spectators cheer for the fundraising race against drunk driving. Lifestyle
CityPlace Doral to Host Americana Block Party

On Saturday, June 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., CityPlace Doral (8300 NW 36th Street, Doral) is hosting the Americana Block Party to celebrate. The community is invited to celebrate with live music, dancing, games, food, drinks, and a whole lot of red, white, and blue. Admission is free and open to the public.

Read More
A night view of CityPlace Doral with palm trees and a brightly lit fountain featuring blue and pink lights, surrounded by modern buildings under a cloudy sky—perfect for an Americana Block Party ambiance. Lifestyle