Hi, I’m Mango. The Red Fox Labrador/Retriever and the official ambassador of the Boujee Beach House.

Before me, there was Prince. After he passed, Stephen and Avery were not sure they could ever have another dog. Around that time, Avery’s cousin was breeding a litter with her boyfriend’s family. They watched a video of the puppies with interest but no real plan. One stood out right away. The puppy with the purple collar. First born. Called the pick of the litter. Smart, cute, and confident.

Weeks later, when they asked to see the video again, they learned that puppy was already spoken for. Soon after, all the puppies were gone. They looked at the Humane Society. They looked on Kijiji. They wondered what kind of dog would work in a home that welcomed Airbnb guests. Eventually, they accepted that maybe it just was not meant to be.

Then came the late call.

Stephen was waiting in his vehicle at the airport for Avery to return from a trip to the Dominican when Avery’s cousin called at 9 PM. An unusual hour for Keswick. The family who had taken the purple collar puppy had a baby who turned out to be allergic. They were planning to sell her in the morning. Someone else was already coming to see her. If Stephen and Avery wanted the first chance, they had to come that night.

Avery stepped off the plane, got into the car, heard the story, and immediately said yes. They drove to Keswick “just to see” the puppy. Nobody ever just sees a puppy.

She was four months old by then. Rambunctious, playful, and even cuter than before. Her name was Ivy. The breeder had everything ready. Crate, bed, leashes, toys, food. Because of her age, she was being sold for far less than before. It felt like something that was supposed to happen.

Ivy came home that night.

The name did not last. Avery is diabetic and did not like calling out something that sounded like a syringe. On the drive home, Ivy curled into a tight little ball on the seat and looked exactly like a small yellow mango. Her new name chose itself.

From the first day, I acted like I had always lived here. I went to the back door when I needed to go out. I never cried. Never chewed. Never had separation anxiety. I treated this house with care because I knew it was my home.

Now I greet guests at the door, nap in sunbeams, swim like a champion, and proudly carry back the largest sticks I can find. I will bark when you arrive to let everyone know, then love you seconds later. I will not touch your food, even if you leave a steak on the coffee table.

Stephen and Avery may be the hosts, but everyone knows who really runs this place.