For Ashley Gauthier and her family, Dixie and Vinnie are more than pets. They are beloved family members, full of personality, love, and plenty of entertaining moments.

Dixie is 10 years old, while Vinnie is a year and a half, and both are girls. Even though Vinnie is traditionally a male name, Ashley says it fit their love of vintage style and doing things a little differently. A dog DNA test revealed the two share the same top three breeds, just in different orders: Staffordshire Terrier, Pit bull, and Bulldog.

Both dogs are rescues. Dixie joined the family at 9 months old after being adopted from the Humane Society. Vinnie’s story came later and in a way that felt meant to be. While photographing a Green Bay Gamblers game, Ashley met 4-month-old Vinnie during a dog night event with Opari (Our Pack Animal Rescue Inc.). She was not planning on bringing home another dog, but Vinnie had other ideas. Even with several people stopping to greet her, she kept returning to Ashley. After walking away once, Ashley came back 30 minutes later and knew Vinnie was meant to come home with her.

At home, the pair have very different personalities. Dixie sleeps with Ashley’s daughter Kinley and is affectionately known as “Humma,” their little grandma. Vinnie sleeps with Ashley and is a total mama’s girl lovingly called “Vinnie Voo.” She insists on burrowing completely under the covers, fully tucked in with no nose or paws showing.

Dixie keeps everyone laughing with her playful and mischievous ways. She loves hide-and-seek and comes running whenever someone calls for her to come find them. When she wants attention, she grabs one of Kinley’s shoes or belongings and trots back and forth, waiting to be chased. Vinnie brings her own charm, and whenever she does something cute or a little sassy, the family jokes, “She’s just a baby!”

When it comes to treats, both pups are always nearby at mealtime, hoping for a bite. Kinley is known to give in and sneak them snacks now and then. Peanut butter and ice cream are guaranteed favorites. Dixie has a talent for destroying toys, while Vinnie prefers chewing on a good bone.

Vinnie has impressed the family with her manners ever since she was a puppy and is consistently well-behaved. Dixie, however, has delivered plenty of sass over the years. Most recently, she got into a full jar of calming dog treats that were only meant to be given one or two at a time. Somehow, it did not affect her at all.

Dixie loves going for walks, while Vinnie’s favorite outing is the dog park. Together, they bring constant joy to the Gauthier family. Ashley says they could not imagine a day without them and happily soak up every bit of love the two dogs give.

Dixie also has a heart-shaped marking on her forehead, which inspired her name, their little Heart of Dixie. Vinnie, meanwhile, is described as the sweetest dog in the world who can do no wrong in Ashley’s eyes. Together, they make one unforgettable duo.