Melanie Geronemus Smit & Scout Kimberly Sarni & Furio Guiseppe

From gala rescue to door-hacking sidekick, these pups prove personality trumps pedigree.

Melanie Geronemus Smit: Creative Director at Lifestyle Media Group

This is Scout — my 3-year-old Chocolate Lab, named after my favorite boat (not the Boy Scout). As a South Florida native who lives for boating and fishing, I figured a ‘water dog’ was the perfect fit. Plot twist: I adopted the only Lab who thinks swimming is a crime. He’ll politely dip a paw in the pool, then give me a look like I’ve betrayed him. Still, he’s my partner in crime — even if he prefers dry land. That said, I may be in the market for a new fishing buddy who’s willing to get their paws wet.

What’s your dog’s quirkiest habit or personality trait?

Scout opens doors. Unlocks them, and opens them. He’s never met a door he can’t open, except for the refridgerator.

Kimberly Sarni: Managing Director at South Florida Business and Wealth 

Fuiio Guiseppe is 8 months old.  All of our animals have full human names, JoePesci passed last year at 17 years old, and Ace Rothstein past just recently at 18 years.  I adopted FurioGuiseppe on a whim. Melanie and I were at a charity event for PAWS, supporting The Human Society of Broward County, and I just decided to adopt a puppy.  A totally irrational decision, became an amazing venture I wouldn’t change for the world.  

Memorable Moments:

Furio goes to doggy day care daily, travels back and forth with me to NYC on the weekends, and has the best of both worlds.  He loves our cats, TommyTwoTimes, MoeGreene and DonFanucci, he loves all of the ducks and peacocks in our neighborhood and absolutely loves everyone around him!

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