Name: Abbey (female)

Breed: Yorkie/Wire Hair Terrier Mix

Age: 4 years old

Humans: Bill and Kathy McDonald

Hey there, Sugar Mill Pond neighbors! I’m Abbey, a four-year-old Yorkie/Wire Hair Terrier mix, and let me tell you, life is pretty sweet when you’ve got humans wrapped around your paw. I wasn’t always this fabulous—my journey started in a kill shelter in Lake Arthur. (I know, gasp! A diva like me in such conditions!) Luckily, Acadiana Animal Aid swooped in, and soon after, I landed in the lap of luxury with my forever family.

Now, let’s get one thing straight: my family thought they were going to adopt an adult male dog after losing their 14-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Rusty. But then I showed up, all 4.5 months of cuteness, and completely derailed their plans. I mean, can you blame them? Have you seen my face?

On the ride home from the shelter, my new family started brainstorming names. They tried out a few, but when someone suggested “Abbey,” it was unanimous. It just fit—elegant, timeless, and a little bit sassy. Basically, me in name form.

Every star has their quirks, and I’m no exception. My standout talent? I’m not a runner. That’s right—leave the door wide open, and I’ll just chill at home. Why would I want to leave the land of belly rubs, treats, and a fireplace that caters to my every whim? Speaking of which, let’s talk about my fireplace obsession.

I don’t know what it is, but I can’t stand an unlit fireplace. If the flames aren’t dancing, I’ll sit and stare at it like I’m trying to will it to life. Eventually, my humans get the message (because I’ll bark until they do), and voilà—fireplace on, Abbey happy. Once it’s lit, I celebrate by zooming around the house barking like a lunatic. It’s a whole production, and honestly, I deserve an award for my performance.

Let’s just say I know how to work my humans. For starters, I can tell time. No, really—I know exactly when it’s walk o’clock and mail-checking time (which involves a golf cart ride because I’m a classy gal). If my humans forget, I’m not shy about reminding them.

And while I might bark at strangers, it’s not because I’m mean. I just want them to acknowledge me with a pat or a treat. Is that too much to ask? I think not.

I’m a small dog, but I have a big personality. I fill up a room with my presence—sometimes with love, sometimes with barking, but always with charm. My family calls me a “love bunny,” which is accurate because I can never get enough pats, belly rubs, or kisses.

When I’m at the groomer, the house apparently feels empty without me. (I don’t blame them—I am the life of the party.) My bandanas from Classy Canine Pet Spa are even turned into quilts, so my legacy will live on forever.

If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, let me give you some advice: adopt a rescue. We’re quirky, lovable, and grateful—plus, you might just save a life. I mean, look how well it worked out for my family. They planned for a quiet adult dog and got me—a four-legged firecracker with a fireplace obsession.

So, if you see me out and about in Sugar Mill Pond (probably in a golf cart), give me a wave or a pat. I’ll bark at you first, but that’s just my way of saying, “Hi, new best friend!”

Life is good, and I’m here to make it even better—one bark, zoomie, and belly rub at a time.