Eight years ago, the Fuller family settled into Riverview life, and if you ask them, this neighborhood is nothing short of the perfect place to raise kids and pups alike. With sidewalks made for scooter races, a pool and tennis courts buzzing with activity, and the river just steps away, life here feels like a postcard sprinkled with a dash of adventure.

And right in the heart of this busy, happy household? Two mini goldendoodles who have completely stolen the show: Lola Primrose, age 4, and her baby brother, William Ace, a spritely 11 months.

Choosing Lola was no small feat. With three kids each lobbying for a different breed, Eric, Dad, researcher, and master negotiator, did his homework and convinced the crew that a mini goldendoodle was the dog for them. Gentle, smart, and low shedding, these pups ticked all the boxes. Lola came home as Primrose, but within three days the kids staged a name rebellion. Primrose became Lola, and the rest is family lore.

Ace’s story is just as sweet. He arrived when the two older boys headed off to college, leaving youngest son, Hudson, with a much too quiet house. Enter Ace, the curly bundle of energy who was gifted both a name and a middle name, courtesy of Hudson. William Ace Fuller. Yes, he has the family name, because in this household, even the dogs get proper introductions.

Lola has one unforgettable habit that makes her mom laugh every single day. She sleeps like a human, head on the pillow, face to face, as if tucking herself in for a proper night’s rest. She is also a bunny stalker extraordinaire, creeping across the yard with the seriousness of a lioness on the hunt.

Ace, on the other hand, is the family comedian. His love for food is legendary. When dinner’s on the horizon, he breaks into a gleeful 360 degree spin, jumping, twisting, tail wagging, like a canine breakdancer. The show is free, but the price of admission is dinner on time, please and thank you.

Their shared obsession? Bully sticks. They are the magic trick that keeps table legs and sneakers safe from sharp puppy teeth.

While Lola swears she is a human and prefers her mom’s company, both doodles adore their grandma Mary Jane, who helps at the house and spoils them when the family travels. At home, you will usually find them lounging in their beds by the kitchen or chasing each other through the backyard. And when adventure calls, Lola is the hiking buddy, happy to hit the trails. Ace, true to form, would rather head straight to wherever the food is being served.

Here is the twist in this love story. Lola is actually Mom’s first-ever dog. At first, she was not sold on the idea, but Eric knew better. He knew that as the boys grew older and more independent, there would be space in her heart that only a pup could fill. He was right. Lola has become her shadow, her confidante, her little human disguised in curls and paws.

Ace may have been chosen for Hudson, but together Lola and Ace have woven themselves into every corner of this family’s story. They are in every way precious pets and living proof that sometimes the best companions are the ones you did not know you needed until they curl up beside you.