Pets: Lilo (8-year-old female Shar Pei) & Kevin (2-year-old male Golden Retriever)

Humans: Jesse Warren and Eleanor Chadwick

Hi neighbors, I’m Lilo, your local Shar Pei, resident sunbather, and the self-appointed matriarch of our household. I’m eight years old, which in dog years makes me the wise one (or as I like to call it, the one who knows better).

I’ve been with my human, Eleanor, since her college days, the best Christmas gift she ever got, if you ask me. Back then, it was just the two of us taking on the world. These days, we share our home with her boyfriend, Jesse, who’s quickly learned that I’m the real boss around here. Together, they make sure I’m well-fed, well-loved, and always have a sunny spot to nap in (my non-negotiable).

Life was pretty perfect. Peaceful. Predictable. Until Denver happened.

That’s where Kevin came along.

Kevin is a two-year-old Golden Retriever, which means he’s basically a toddler with fur. Eleanor and Jesse decided I “needed a friend,” apparently because I’d been getting a little lonely in my old age. Personally, I thought a nice chew toy would’ve done the trick, but no. They brought home Kevin.

Now, Kevin’s… well, Kevin. He’s goofy, golden, and famous for using his arms like a person, reaching out to grab you as if to say, “Excuse me, I have needs.” He’s also what we like to call “the little shadow” because he follows Eleanor and Jesse everywhere, and I mean everywhere. If they so much as breathe in another room, Kevin’s already there, tail wagging, ready to help (or hinder). He also has a talent for falling asleep in the most ridiculous positions, which honestly deserves an award.

We’re quite the pair. He was born on the Fourth of July, which sounds exciting until you realize the poor guy is terrified of fireworks. So yes, his birthday is both the best and worst day of his life. Meanwhile, I keep things elegant. I’ve got a little black tongue (Shar Pei signature, thank you very much) and a funny habit of walking like I’m in heels. When my people get home, I put on a full tippy-tap dance routine. They love it.

Our humans spoil us beyond reason. We go for car rides, get pup cups, and if the food isn’t too spicy, we get a taste of that too. Because really, what’s the point of life if you can’t enjoy good food? Kevin likes to pile every single toy he owns at their feet to announce playtime, and I supervise from the couch.

The truth is, even though I run the place, Kevin’s made life better for all of us. He’s brought new energy, more laughter, and even made me a little spunkier. Together, we make a pretty great team, one wise, one wild, both completely adored.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time for my morning sun. And if Kevin knows what’s good for him, he’ll keep his golden tail out of my spot.

Yours in sass and sunbeams,

Lilo