I rescued Autumn, a wire haired fox terrier, 12 years ago when she was 4 months old. Autumn was for my dad, whose Scottie dog passed away. With the sadness of losing his dog and receiving a diagnosis of cancer, she kept him company for six months. When my dad was confined to a bed in hospice at home, it was 4 a.m. when she alerted us with her cries and whines and her attempts to jump in his bed, that he was passing. I brought her to the East Coast with me and am happy I have her. She is a very sweet, calm dog for a terrier. A gift to my dad, which came back to me.

Patty Greaney

Stonington

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.