Andrew Pueschel chose his eighth-floor condominium in 151 First Side for its view and easy Downtown access to everywhere else. But the one who seems to most enjoy the place is his 2-year-old Chihuahua, Cozmo.

"His favorite thing to do is lie in the sun and look outside," Mr. Pueschel said.

The friendly little dog does most of his lying on top of a modular ultrasuede and leather sofa by a huge window overlooking the Monongahela River. He lounges as barges and boats go by, knowing that's as close as he'll ever get to river traffic. In fact, he rarely sets foot on the sidewalk of Fort Pitt Boulevard. The pet that had trouble navigating steps in a four-story apartment building in Shadyside now rides an elevator -- but just for fun.

"This is Cozmo's back yard," Mr. Pueschel said, gesturing toward an 8-by-4-foot concrete balcony with aluminum railing. "And that's his tree."

The tree was made from the trunk of a real tree and purchased at Designspace. It apparently looks real enough from Cozmo's point of view, but it's far from the prettiest part of the condo he shares with Mr. Pueschel. You can judge that for yourself if you buy a ticket to the fifth annual Walk and Dine Downtown living tour from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Wednesday.

In addition to guided tours of this unit in 151 First Side, tour-goers can see occupied condos, sales models or rental lofts in The Carlyle, Piatt Place, 941 Penn and Heinz Lofts. They'll also taste treats from Palomino, Nine on Nine, Sonoma Grill and other area restaurants.

In Mr. Pueschel's home, the food will probably be set out on the granite bar and counters in his modern kitchen, which anchors a corner of the open floor plan near the dining area and several seating groups. Since he entertains often, his kitchen switched places with a study shown on the floor plan. He put it quickly to use.

"I moved from Shadyside on a Wednesday and had a dinner party on Thursday," he said.

The dark-stained wood dining table and six chairs came from Pier 1. His other favorite sources of furniture and decor are Restoration Hardware, West Elm and Z Gallerie. Mr. Pueschel designed his condo himself, mixing modern furniture with unique and exotic accent pieces and a few antiques.

To reduce the bright sunlight that fills the more than 1,700 square feet of space, he bought Hunter Douglas sheer blackout blinds. Sliding on tracks in long vertical sections, they are a translucent gray on the inside, black on the outside for privacy.

Although Mr. Pueschel has lived here for only three months, he's already had several parties, easily fitting as many as 20 guests. A professional ballroom dancer, he is opening a studio, Absolute Ballroom and Dance Center of Pittsburgh, at the corner of Fifth and Penn avenues in East Liberty on June 8. He is also executive director of Pittsburgh DanceSport, a nonprofit that supports youth and college-age ballroom dancers. Then there's his consulting work in higher education and event planning.

It all makes for lots of friends and business contacts, but he has found even more since moving to 151 First Side. The building has a partnership with the nearby Rivers Club.

"It's my gym, my food, my network," he said. "It's easy to get involved."

Mr. Pueschel and Cozmo also meet new people as they move into their building. Cozmo is far from the only dog -- residents are allowed two small pets weighing no more than 30 pounds.

Mr. Pueschel loves his little dog with the larger-than-life personality. Cozmo fits with some of the furnishings that surround him, including a pair of large brass sconces with colored glass globes.

"I like oversized things," Mr. Pueschel said. "They're more welcoming."

Tickets are $60 each for the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's Walk and Dine Downtown living tour on Wednesday. Special VIP tour tickets are $150. Buses transport guests from the opening reception at One Oxford Centre to the various stops. Call 412-566-4190 or go to www. downtownpittsburgh.com.