Ovie the Bulldog is the No. 1 Washington Capitals fan on Dog Twitter.
Though he lives on the West Coast in Southern California now, Ovie the Bulldog is the No. 1 Washington Capitals fan among the hockey dogs on Dog Twitter.
He was also one of the earliest adopters of Twitter when it comes to canine accounts.
A good friend of Vegas Golden Knights fans Bark-Andre Furry the Jack Russell Terrier and Sir Winston Da Doodle the Labradoodle, he attended the Joy Prom Las Vegas back in May, and recently celebrated his 10th birthday in human years.
Ovie (who is named for the legendary Caps left winger Alex Ovechkin, three-time NHL Most Valuable Player) recently spoke with Dog O’Day via email as part of our series of interviews with the hockey dogs of social media.
Dog O’Day – How did you get into the Washington Capitals scene? Have you always enjoyed
hockey?
Ovie the Bulldog – I grew up in the suburbs on Maryland, right outside DC. Dad was a lifelong Capitals fan and had wanted a Bulldog all his life. He had season tickets until the chance to get me
came up. Through some heavy negotiations, he was allowed to name me Ovie. He
gave up his seats so he could stay home and watch the games with me. Shortly after,
the Twitter handle started and then I started attending games downtown to greet fans
and rally them as they entered the arena.
Dog O’Day – When is the best time of the day for naps?
Ovie the Bulldog – There is no wrong time for a nap. Best times are when hockey isn’t on or when it’s cookie time.
Dog O’Day – How did you and Bark become friends? It had something to do with the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, right?
Ovie the Bulldog – Bark and I were “aware” of each other as the playoffs progressed. Eventually when it looked like our teams would meet, we started DM conversations on what it was like
being a hockey dog, how the playoffs were going for each of us and the potential to
meet up after the Stanley Cup Final was over on my drive back to San Diego.
Win or lose, we built a great respect for each other, we just cheer for different teams. We wanted to show fans you can have fun and be friends. We hung out the week of the NHL Awards [these are separate from the NHL Fan Choice Awards] in Vegas and the best Hockey Dog friendship was born!
Dog O’Day – Have you given Bark and Sir Winston advice on being a good big brother?
Ovie the Bulldog – Bark and I are about the same age. Of course, Saffy Bean is also 10 so Deke is probably a bit more ornery than when we rescued Saffy. Oliver is a fun pup and lucky to have
Winston. I just told them “Your stuff is now their stuff too….sharing makes it fun.”
Dog O’Day – Why does Saffy love riding in the Jeep so much?
Ovie the Bulldog – She loves the freedom. She lived a hard life as a breeder dog and hadn’t been treated well. Whereas I am NOT a fan of rides. From growing up in Maryland and the drives to visit
family in New Jersey to the nine drives across the USA, my odometer is FULL.
Dog O’Day – Are there any dogs (alive or historical) that you look up to, and if so, how come?
Ovie the Bulldog – I look up to all the mascot dogs who helped blaze a trail into social media. It’s come a long way to show how much fun we can have. And people love sports and dogs/cats.
Dog O’Day – Who among the pen pals of Dog Twitter would you enjoy meeting in person?
Ovie the Bulldog – There are so many I would love to meet. I’ve been Twitter pals with Gustl Kopitar for several years, I remember when he just started on Twitter. Unfortunately, our schedules never sync up when I’m in LA.
I tried to meet as many Caps Canines as possible on my last visit to DC. I’d have loved to meet Bryant Tupper, Magoo, and Porterhouse – all great Bulldogs of Twitter and Instagram, was saddened when they all passed.
Our Ovie the Bulldog interview wraps up with a bunch of interesting trivia.
Dog O’Day – If you could be another breed for a week, what would you be and why?
Ovie the Bulldog – Tough question….. maybe a French Bulldog? They seem to have more energy, I’d like to see what that’s like.
Dog O’Day – What are some of your favorite snacks?
Ovie the Bulldog – I LOVE bison treats! And Mom’s homemade apple and peanut butter cookies!
Dog O’Day – Without thumbs, how do you type?
Ovie the Bulldog – Hunt and peck, hunt and peck. It’s why my game tweets are slower than humans.
Dog O’Day – Do you follow any other sports or dogcentric events on TV?
Ovie the Bulldog – I will watch IndyCar or Formula 1 racing. I gave up on dog shows because the anti-Bulldog bias is REAL! We NEVER WIN! Hahahaha
[For more racing news, check out our FanSided Network sister site Beyond the Flag and the independent news site Frontstretch.]
Dog O’Day – If you could be the commissioner of the NHL for a week, would you make any
changes to the game?
Ovie the Bulldog – I’d allow dogs in the arenas. I’ve only been allowed in the arena for one game in the 50+ I’ve attended and sat outside for, including four for the Stanley Cup Final.
Dog O’Day – Why do you think hockey and dogs go so well together?
Ovie the Bulldog – All dogs are good dogs, put them in a hockey jersey and it doesn’t matter what team you root for, you instantly have a friend. We bring out the best in people who have a
common love of the game.
For more hockey dog coverage, be sure to check out our interviews with Sir Winston and Holland the Pup as well.
Ovie can be followed on Facebook at Ovie the Bulldog, and on Twitter and Instagram at the handle @OvieTheBulldog. His sister Saffy can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at the handle @SaffyBeanBulldog.