I was born in Alabama, but I’m a Florida dog now. Millie Christopher, Renee and Bruce Fairchild helped me find a home with my new mom & dad, their daughter, my springer brother, Rascal, and that other animal who has to stay in the house ALL the time. Rascal says her name is Bitte. Poor Bitte. She doesn’t get to tear around the yard chasing the birds and squirrels or visit through the fence with the other dogs on the street when their owners take them for walks. I know she must get bored so I chase her around the house whenever I can. She seems to like it. But Rascal and I are best buds indoors and out.

Rascal's just a little younger than me, but a lot bigger. We roughhouse all the time and play tug-a-war and growl a lot. After a few days, the folks figured out that Rascal and I got along just fine at meal times and now we eat together in the same room. After a few bites, I go check to see if Rascal's dinner is better than mine; and he checks out my bowl. That cat hangs around till we're finished and then licks up what's left. They must feed her other stuff, otherwise she'd be pretty thin. When the folks eat at the table, Rascal lies down next to Jim and I have to lie down by Suzanne. They call it "park it." I call it "snack time" since they feed us these crisp little biscuits while they eat.

My folks call me Cricket now which is okay by me. No one knew my real name so for a little while someone called me Jerry. Then Millie and Renee & Bruce called me Jake. My new folks said since there was already a "Jake"in the family they were going to call me Cricket. But they also call me Little Big Dog and Little Bud and Little Big Brother 'cause I give as good as I get when Rascal and I wrestle. Sometimes they call me Shovel Foot. Rascal says they have this fixation about feet. They were always commenting on how big his feet were till they saw mine. My big feet are great at digging.

I sometimes worry when they leave us in the backyard in the morning, or when one of them leaves the house without me. I used to worry so much I'd wake up and follow them if either of them got up at night. But Rascal tells me not to worry. He says they'll still be there in the morning and even when they go away for a few days. He says our fairy godmother neighbor will come take care of us and give us special treats. He says they always come back home to us. I'm beginning to believe he's right. . .even if he is a doofus and won't share his special soccer ball. Anyway, I like it here. Lots of room to run, lots of time to play, good food and lots of hugs and pets and walks. So if you're reading this -- Millie and Renee and Bruce -- THANKS!