Maddie

Schnauzer or Schnoodle

Owner: Sharon Winter, Falls Church

Maddies’s Most Endearing Characteristic: Standing on her back legs to get a better glimpse of the neighborhood squirrels

Most Memorable Pet Moment: On Dec.11, 2007, I was out on my daily walk when this dirty and matted little white dog started to follow me. She stayed with me for a few blocks before breaking away to chase a squirrel; then she caught up with me again. At that point, she jumped up and touched the back of my coat as if to say, “I’m still here, what are you going to do about it?”

I was convinced someone must be looking for her, so I took her to the Alexandria animal shelter. I put up signs in our neighborhood, but no one called me or the shelter, so we adopted her on New Year’s Eve. Even now, I cannot leave a room without Maddie following me; however, on our walks she now leads the way.

(September 2009)