Celebrating our area's four-legged, feathered and finned friends

By Patience Renzulli

February 1, 2011

Abby Munchkin Cheeks Roman

When it comes to cute, it’s hard to beat Sarah Bynum Roman. She’s about as cute as they come. So it’s certainly no surprise that Ladybird Abigail “Munchkin Cheeks” Roman most definitely falls in her mom’s footsteps, tail-a-waggin’ to be sure!

Sarah! Abby Munchkin Cheeks is darling! Tell us all about her!
Ladybird Abigail (a.k.a. Munchkin Cheeks) will be 3 years old on April 15. She was born in Paducah, off Buckner Lane, and has four brothers and three sisters.

Abby is a Maltese, with beautiful brown eyes and an adorable black button nose. She was named for two presidents’ wives (Ladybird Johnson and Abigail Adams). My husband Alex loves his history.

How did you find her?
It was a stormy Friday, terrible weather, and I was reading the Paducah Sun. Upon skimming the Classifieds, I noticed that in the center of the paper, above the fold, was an ad for Maltese puppies. I grew up with a Maltese, Annie, and just adored her. These dogs are absolutely the most loving animals ever.

Alex and I had been dating about a year. We talked about getting a “furry little munchkin” and decided that a small breed dog would be the perfect fit for us. Alex said it was a big responsibility. I said I would feed it, and water it, and play with it, and take it out and love it!

We went to visit the Maltese listed in the ad every week for three weeks. It wasn’t until the third visit that we fell in mad love with one of the smallest little munchkins in the litter. It may have been her pink nose, or the fact that her eye liner wasn’t completely filled in, or perhaps it was her tiny paws. But really, it was when Alex held her in his big bear-like hand and she nestled her furry face on his wrist, that we decided that this little animal was meant to be ours.

So it’s all love, love, love?
Yes! Alex and I adore the Munchkin, and she definitely loves us, too. Alex bought Abby her first bone, and continues to shower her with toys, treats (in moderation, of course), and lots of love. Although, I, by far, spoil her with toys on every holiday, and plan birthday parties and Halloween costumes. Alex just shrugs and laughs.

What’s your favorite thing about her?
Abby is simply the love of our lives. She is creative, inquisitive, playful, curious, intuitive and very protective of her parents. She loves toys, especially squeaky toys. She loves car rides, as long as the windows are rolled down. She loves long walks where she can sniff everything.

Any advice to potential new pet owners?
We can’t imagine our lives without Abby. She’s brought us so much joy and taught us patience. I strongly encourage potential puppy parents to do their research. Research breeds, and breeders, to find the best match for your lifestyle and your environment. Treat them with love and respect. They will definitely become a loving member of your family.