Hi, neighbors! My name is Dottie, and I am a four-month-old Havapoo. I may be small, but I have already taken on several important roles in the Theriot household, including carpool assistant, work-from-home supervisor, and professional lap warmer.

Before I arrived, my family shared 13 wonderful years with a Shih Tzu mix named Bella. When Bella passed away in January 2023, everyone was heartbroken. The kids began asking for a new puppy almost immediately. Mom and Dad said no, so naturally, the kids asked again the next day. And the next day. They continued this highly effective strategy for more than three years.

This summer, after hearing the request for approximately the millionth time, Mom and Dad realized they might finally be ready. They researched breeds, searched for puppies throughout the South, and eventually discovered my picture on the Lone Star Pups website. They took one look at my face and knew I belonged with them. I have that effect on people.

I was named after Dottie, the main character in one of Mom’s favorite movies, A League of Their Own. Lately, however, Mom thinks Shadow might have been more appropriate. I follow her everywhere and appear at her heels whenever she turns around. Privacy is no longer something she needs to worry about.

I have been an impressive houseguest from the beginning. I was crate-trained and sleeping through the night by my second night at home, thanks to my Snuggle Puppy and Lamb Chop stuffed toy. I am sweet, calm, and especially fond of cuddling into someone’s neck.

I also accompany Mom on the school drop-off and pick-up routes every day. Because I am not fully vaccinated yet, I travel in a puppy sling. It is comfortable, stylish, and allows me to supervise everything from a safe distance.

I am, by all accounts, extremely spoiled. I prefer eating directly from Mom’s hand, but I will occasionally eat from my bowl if she sits beside me and offers moral support. Since my family works from home, I spend most of the day in someone’s lap, contributing very little to productivity.

My family has purchased nearly every dog toy known to man. This was thoughtful but unnecessary, because I remain most interested in shoelaces.

My family once believed the hole Bella left in their hearts could never be filled. I could never replace her or the years they shared. I am simply here to bring a new kind of love, laughter, and adorable chaos into their home, one cuddle, car ride, and untied shoe at a time.