Ilse was a 6-month-old stray, rescued at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base by the Humane Society, and came home with me just before Christmas 2008. She is named for the Ingrid Bergman character in Casablanca because she is beautiful and because I often ask her “...who are you really, and what were you before?” Not so oddly, she rarely answers, just gives me a kiss and a mysterious look. She likes to go out on a leash and make nice with people walking down the street. She catches treats on the fly, drinks from the faucet and never met a lit candle she did not want to stick her paw (or whiskers) into.

Deborah J. Donovan

New London

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.