Pedro is not our "pet pal;" he is our landlord. For the past six years, Pedro has graciously allowed us to inhabit the portion of the house he does not require. He lives in his private greenhouse, occasionally taking a seat atop the refrigerator in his kitchen, always on the lookout for tasty flies, gnats, bees, ants and other invasive creatures. Once he and a praying mantis had a standoff. In the spring and summer he often calls for female companionship from our nearby wetlands, attracting several each year. And rather than move to Florida for the winter, he simply hibernates in his greenhouse pond. He is a most generous patron who we greet every morning. He tells us he is related to Pedro Martinez, but we think he's throwing us a curve ball.

ANN AND FELIX KLOMAN, LYME

My Pet Pal is a reader-submitted feature that highlights local residents and their favorite furry, feathery or scaly friends. Send a photo of you and your pet, along with a short description of what makes them a great companion, your name and what town you live in to times@theday.com. Include "pet pal" in the subject line.