Evanston resident Liselotte Schuster was walking Mason, her 13-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, through Gillson Park when she stopped to talk about her dog, how she likes to unwind and more.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about Mason?
A: That’s really quite a story. I moved into my condo 13 years ago, and I met Mason’s mother, a very nice British lady, when he was just a puppy. We became friends; she was Jewish like I am, and she invited me for Shabbat dinner for the high holidays. I got to know her family. About seven years ago, I said to her, ‘If ever anything happens to you, I want you to know I’ll take Mason.’ A week later, she was hit by a car … and so he came to me. He’s a sweetheart, a loving, gentle soul.
Q: Can you remember some of the best advice you ever received?
A: I think it was this. You can read all the books you want, and listen to as many other opinions as you want, but in the end, really, you have to look within yourself. Listen to what your heart is telling you to do, and it will lead you in the right direction.
Q: How do you like to relax at the end of a long day?
A: I like to watch television. I like a lot of things on PBS, like “Masterpiece.” … I just watched “Wallander.”
Q: And finally, what’s your favorite comfort food, to go with your end-of-day relaxation?
A: Well, I have quite a sweet tooth. When Ben and Jerry’s (ice cream brand) has a new flavor, I’m there – I have to try it!
–Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago.
