My ball and chain, till death do we part is Rusty. He is just a tiny guy that embodies the true definition of cool. He used to be red but now in his old age he’s faded to a dusty brown and his chillness has only been well seasoned with age. He’s good to hop in the truck and road trip across the country or just pull up a lap and take a nap. He’s a tiny dreamer and I can only wonder if he is dreaming about chasing rabbits, climbing mountains, or taking a tiny dip in a stream. He’s a pretty big guy for only being a 10-pound Shih tzu. The one and only Rusty the Shih tzu, The Best.

Tess Goff

Quaker Hill

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.