At The Drake Center, it’s no surprise our families are a bit…furry. From dogs and cats to horses, chickens and an emu, we’d like you to meet the loves of our lives—our pets. 

Proud pet parent: Christine, receptionist

Daisy, Lhasa Apso /terrier mix

  • Cheerio, Chihuahua mix

If you had to choose, would you say you are a cat person or a dog person? Why?

I would say I am definitely a dog person—mainly because I’ve never owned a cat and I have had dogs all my life!

How did you get your pets? Why did you choose those particular breeds?

We got Daisy from Jackie, a longtime receptionist at The Drake Center. Jackie found her and brought her to the hospital on the same day that I was having my last dog put down. I had my daughter, Cassandra, with me, so I asked Jackie to watch her while I was in the exam room saying goodbye to my beloved Trixie. The newfound dog was a perfect distraction and before I knew it, we were petsitting…which led to us adopting her.  Although I wasn’t ready for another dog, I knew how important it was for my kids to have a pet in the house.  Four years later, we ar so thankful for our "Daisy Doodle" and love her so!

We adopted Cheerio from Rancho Coastal Humane Society. We knew it was time for Daisy to have a friend, so for my daughter's seventh birthday we surprised her with Cheerio (what an exciting day that was)!  He got his name on the drive home when he curled up in a little ball and my daughter said he looked just like a Cheerio and was the color of one, too!

What is special about your pets?

My kids’ response to this question was "Because they love us, cuddle with us and play with us."  My response is because both Daisy & Cheerio are so tolerant (which is what you have to be in this house!). My kids love their dogs, but sometimes too much!  They dress them up, carry them around and lay with/on them. The dogs tolerate anything that comes their way and still love and protect 'their kids' like no other!

What is the cutest thing about your pets, physically?

Daisy has the sweetest little face and is so soft and cuddly.

We love Cheerio’s big ears and the freckles on his belly.

What do you let your pets get away with that you probably shouldn't?

Pretty much everything! They sleep in bed with us, bark at the door and lay on the coffee table and on the kids’ papers when they are trying to do homework. Yes, they pretty much get to do whatever they want.

What is your favorite memory or story about your pets?

My favorite memories are how each of them became part of our family and how each dog has chosen 'their' kid. Daisy is definitely my son’s dog and Cheerio is my daughter's dog. They all found the perfect fit!

I have a couple favorite stories. First, we always laugh and say that the dogs know how to tell time. They will start dancing and prancing around when it's time to eat. We may not know what time it is, but inevitably we will look at the clock and, yes, it's 5 p.m. They always know when it's that time!  Second, not only do my children have play dates, but my dogs do as well. We have a neighbor who has a little dog that is 'friends' with our two dogs. We made a small door in the fence so that they can have easy access to their daily play dates. Whenever our neighbor calls, we ask them, "Do you want to go see Teddy?”  They always know just what that means. They perk up, run to the fence and bark until she lets them over. It's totally adorable! I often ask myself, "How did I become this person?  Who has play dates with their dogs?”  It's funny to think about, but I wouldn't have it any other way!  

What do your pets bring to the dynamic of your family?

They are part of our family and are the perfect complement to us. They bring love, fun, happiness and a lot of giggles to our home. They are also great teachers for my kids, showing them how to love, care, empathize and act responsibly.