We are Doolittle’s third owners. He is a basset-coonhound mix, whose former owners, a Navy family stationed in Groton, got him from a rescue organization that trucked him up from the south. When the Navy family was transferred to Hawaii in 2015, I found my new walking companion because they didn’t want him to suffer in quarantine for six weeks. Although he crosses the Mystic Drawbridge with me every day, he is afraid of water—even wet grass. But Doolittle does a lot. His friendly wagging tail helps me meet local residents and people from all over the world. Many share their stories with  us — some of which end up in my books about Mystic.

Lisa Saunders, Mystic

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.