Coco is the sixth dog we’ve had during our 40 years of marriage. We’ve loved all our dogs deeply, but there’s truth to the saying that we saved the best for last. She’s so sweet—90% human, we’re convinced she understands so much of what we say. She’s obedient, endlessly loving, and the very definition of a devoted companion.

Coco has her share of funny quirks. She insists on drinking water from a regular glass rather than a bowl. In fact, when we first moved in a few weeks ago, the very first box I unpacked was my mother’s vintage crystal, and I found myself pouring Coco’s water into a crystal coupe! She was quite pleased with the arrangement. That was her first (and last) taste of such refinement.

Coco came to us when her breeder decided she wasn’t big enough to be a show dog. I’ll admit, her cuteness was nearly eclipsed by how exhausting those first few nights with a 12-week-old puppy were! But she was a quick learner, and life soon filled with laughter and puppy antics. Her formal name is Coconut Cream Dream. We originally thought we’d call her Coco Chanel, but she was definitely more of a Coconut—so Coco, for short, it became.

Her favorite things include car rides with the window down, her fluffy white head blowing in the wind, and visiting family (while keeping a close eye out the window to watch people pass by). She’s not much of a walker, more of a professional sniffer, and if it’s windy, forget it. She absolutely refuses to go outside, sitting down until we rescue her from the annoying wind on her tail. Funny enough, she loves that same wind when she’s in the car. I suppose we all have our quirks.

Coco turned five in October, and I wish she could stay young and healthy forever. If you stop by our house, she’ll greet you with curiosity and a wagging tail. She’s loving life back in I’On with her little fenced yard to explore. Please say hello to her. She’ll be your new furry friend in no time.