Hi, my name is Waffles. I am a wire-haired, piebald, tweenie dachshund which means one of my parents was a mini dachshund and my other was a full-sized dachshund. A lot of people mistake me for a Jack Russell Terrier but I am 100% dachshund. I have a lot of nicknames: Waffies, Sir Barks-a-lot, Barkie McBarkface, Poo Poo Pie, Weenie and Shrimpie. I got the name Shrimpie from my babysitter, because they think I look like a big shrimp when I lay on my side. The reason I am called Sir Barks-a-lot and Barkie McBarkface is because my primary duty, in my opinion, is to alert the entire neighborhood of annoying gray creatures with swishy tails. I also like to make sure that any other passing dogs hear my greetings and salutations. My birthday is Feb. 2 and I am 2 years old. I like long walks on the beach, especially when I can dig for treasures. I love seeing my favorite dog friend Efa the Corgie. When it is sunny, I love to sunbathe in the sunniest spot on the back of the couch. I have a human sister who attends Mile Creek Elementary School. Speaking of the school, I’m a celebrity amongst the kids in my human sister’s class – they hear stories about me all the time. I wish I could go to school with my human sister. I hope the principal of Mile Creek is reading this and will grant me an open-ended day pass. My cat sister hisses at me every day when I go under the bed where she hides and also when I try to steal her food. I am very confused that she doesn’t want to be my friend. Anyway, I love meeting new people, so if you see me in town, please say hello and give me a belly rub.

Harper Thea Watkins-Baker

Old 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.