Fourteen years ago, Mechele and Jeff Mills rescued a two-year-old puppy from Pets Fur People (formerly known as the Humane Society). When she was adopted, she was skin and bones and, based on some of her early behaviors, likely suffered abuse. Today, Mechele says their puppy has been the best dog and most faithful friend to her and Jeff. The  sixteen-year-old terrier mix pup’s name is Bailey.

“We believe she has border terrier and Jack Russell terrier qualities,” says Mechele. She continues, “We were either going to name her Bailey or Shenanigans. My parents couldn’t say Shenanigans with their Filipino accents.” And so Bailey she became. A prim and proper pup, and ever helpful, one of Bailey’s most unique qualities is that she folds her own puppy pads. “I think she does that because that’s what I used to do to them before throwing them away.”

In another life, Bailey could have been a silver screen star. If you give her a finger gun and the word “bang,” she’ll play dead. Although she’s not too fond of other animals, she loves people and she’s instinctively gentle when babies come to her house. She loves walks and her favorite toy bear, which she has destroyed many times over the years. While she loves all people, Bailey is very close with Mechele, who says Bailey used to help her train for half marathons at Rose Rudman. Running wasn’t the only way they bonded; “I love it when she puts her head on my chest and stares at me,” Mechele says. Sometimes our pets understand us better than we understand ourselves. Bailey’s playful nature and sweet spirit has made her the perfect pet for the Mills.