In this exclusive interview with Freddy Cruz, the founder of Freddy Cruz Creative Works, a boutique media company in the Greater Houston area, we delve into his journey as a dog parent and explore the special bond he shares with his furry companion. As an animal lover, Freddy’s fascination with animals led him to become a dog parent, drawn to their non-judgmental and pure nature.
Freddy introduces us to his beloved dog Sparrow, a black mouth cur/shepherd mix that they rescued during a Super Bowl Weekend adoption drive in 2016. He describes Sparrow’s personality and the joy he brings to their family, emphasizing that they couldn’t imagine him being called anything other than Sparrow.
Freddy Cruz is the founder of Freddy Cruz Creative Works, a boutique media company in the Greater Houston area.
HELLO FREDDY CRUZ, WELCOME TO DOGOPPO. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A DOG PARENT?
I’ve always had a fascination with animals. They don’t judge. They don’t insult you. They don’t treat you like an option. They’re just…pure.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR DOG AND HIS/HER PERSONALITY?
We think Sparrow is a black mouth cur/shepherd mix. He rescued our family during a Super Bowl Weekend adoption drive in 2016.
HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR DOG’S NAME?
His previous owner gave him his name and we kept it. Our family can’t imagine him as anything other than Sparrow.
WHAT’S THE MOST MISCHIEVOUS THING YOUR DOG HAS EVER DONE?
During a crazy winter storm in 2021, in the eighteen degree weather (which almost never happens in Richmond, Texas), he ran away while we were bringing groceries inside. He found an opening and bolted.
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TREAT?
Broccoli. I think he likes it more than his humans!
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A SPECIAL MOMENT YOU’VE SHARED WITH YOUR DOG?
My friend Sharron Melton, a TV anchor on CW39, recently hosted us on her morning show to talk about Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP). She’s an honoree for this year’s gala and we discussed CAP’s mission to save homeless animals across Houston. He barked the entire time while waiting our turn in the green room. But once the crew walked us on set, he turned off his voice and turned on his charm!
WHAT’S YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TOY? WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT BEING A DOG PARENT?
This will sound weird, but he doesn’t like playing with toys. He has a whole basket of them, too. Squeaky ones, plush ones, textured ones. Nothing entertains him.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR DOG HEALTHY AND HAPPY?
Walking, snuggling, and kisses on his forehead. He LOVES kisses and we think he gets jealous for attention when we’re hugging each other and not him.
HOW HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE BECOMING A DOG PARENT?
Having a pet means you HAVE to engage with nature. Because they need exercise, you get exercise by default. I love slowing down after sitting at the computer for hours. We go for a stroll (when it’s not a thousand degrees outside) and I love watching him sniff around.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO’S CONSIDERING BECOMING A DOG PARENT?
Imagine being left by your loved ones—or your abuser—against your will, at some strange place where the people who find you care for you, but have to lock you in a small space.
Imagine you have to stay locked up for about twenty-three hours per day, every day for a month. Maybe even two, three, four, or five months. Possibly an entire year.
Imagine strangers visiting you in your new temporary housing, judging you because you’re screaming for help. But they don’t speak your language and can’t understand that you don’t mean to sound mean when you talk.
That’s the life of a homeless dog.
So my advice for anyone who may want to adopt a dog would be to put yourself in their shoes—or, paws. Read their paperwork, ask questions, and give them grace. Lots of grace. Oh, and there’s a solid chance that the super adorable four month old puppy will grow into a seventy-five pound teddy bear. Plan accordingly.
