What’s your origin story, Big Dog? Residing 3 to a cage at a local shelter is not how I imagined spending my days in Dallas.  But Papa Fritz swooped in and rescued me when he saw my wagging tale and brought me back to his garden-of-delights home on Merrimac. He calls me ‘Big Dog’, ‘cuz, well, I’m big. 40% Great Dane, 30% Border Collie Mix, & 30% odds and ends. I like to call him Clark Kent. (Superman emoji)

Any special characteristics? Despite my XL, waist-high build that tells a different story, I am really just an XXXL marshmallow. I am a meek little lamb inside and don’t growl or fuss, ever. I am the chief Snuggler-in-Charge of all domestic bliss duties. Sometimes I even wrap myself up in a blanket when it’s time for self-care.

Are you spoiled at all, Big Dog? If by spoiled you mean sleeping on the bed, having an oversized doggie door, having mega toys and all the love and affection I desire, then yes. I get the feeling the girlfriend is a little jealous sometimes. But I’m sure she’s grateful for the king-sized bed! Back to 3 in tight space…but this time it’s a lot different. (heart emoji)

Any funny stories? One trick I’ve learned is to look people in the eye when I meet them while simultaneously conjuring the thought, “Do you have any treats for me?” Or right before someone goes into the kitchen, I’ll put my paws on their lap, and, thinking hard again, say, “while you’re in the kitchen, could you bring me some treats?” I feel sure they can hear me.

Favorite Activities? Eating. A big juicy 28 oz Porterhouse Steak would be an amazing appetizer for me! Then I would stare down the Maître D’ and share my mantra with him – which we all know by now is - “Do you have any treats for me?”

What else should we know about you Big, and how have you enriched your family & community? I love that I live in a place where everybody knows my name; all the neighborhood kids know me and love their big marshmallow. Also, our immediate neighbor goes out of her way to buy me pumpernickel or other special bread every week, just for me! She knows my name AND my number.  I’m proud to say I’m an M Streeter and Papa Fritz’ big, special boy. (triple heart emoji)