Pearl, Poppy, and Vada may belong to three different households in Dunlin Square, but around the neighborhood, they are known as one inseparable friend group.

Pearl, a gray-and-white Cavapoo owned by Bryant and Jackie Wilbourne, came first during the pandemic and quickly won over everyone she met. Before long, Vada joined the circle with owners Sharon Dalton and Scott Norman, followed shortly after by Poppy, owned by Cynthia Livengood and Carolyn Smith. Together, the three pups turned the neighborhood into their own daily social scene.

The dogs spend much of their time together in the backyard affectionately known as “the dog park.” Most evenings, a simple text between neighbors is enough to send ears perking up and paws racing toward the door in hopes that playtime is about to begin.

Whether they are taking afternoon walks, chasing each other around the yard, or curling up side by side for naps, the trio rarely spends much time apart. Their friendship extends to birthdays and holidays too, complete with special pupcakes from Maxi B’s for celebrations and the occasional staycation together when one family travels.

The dogs each have their own distinct personalities, which has become part of the fun for their owners. Pearl is considered the queen of the group — calm, refined, and clearly in charge. Poppy is the energetic one, always ready for action and excitement. Vada is the social butterfly who assumes everyone in the neighborhood is there specifically to greet her.

The neighbors joke that if the pups could speak, Pearl would have a polished British accent, Poppy would have a relaxed Southern drawl, and Vada would sound like a true Southern belle.

The trio occasionally allows other neighborhood dogs into their social circle, including Theo the Yorkie from nearby Kinglet, but everyone knows the Cavapoo crew runs the show.

Around Dunlin Square, the dogs have become more than beloved pets. They are part of the rhythm of the neighborhood itself, bringing neighbors together one walk, one text, and one wagging tail at a time.