Bretnie and Eric Eschenbach got their dog Neko who is "probably a border collie mix" as a rescue dog about four years ago from a "rescue place in eastern Washington that brings dogs over to a place in Auburn." They used PetFinders.com to do the initial search. They were seeking a puppy. "His brothers were more wild than he was and we thought he was the more mellow one I guess he fooled us because he's fairly wild himself," Eschenbach said.

"He's got a lot of energy and it takes a lot of long walks to get that out," she explained.

Neko, "Loves people and loves being outside and loves hiking and the snow, anywhere dogs are allowed off leash. He's a working dog and he has to carry his own food."

The couple has noticed that Neko loves the snow. So much so that when he sees it he, "goes and literally swims in it. He lays down in it and rolls his head and starts moving his paws like he's swimming."
Almost ironically, Neko does not really enjoy swimming in water. "He's not big into swimming," she offered,"He'll do it if you make him but he won't run out and swim on his own."

Neko eats Trader Joes dog food and loves the home made style treats from Pet Elements.

His toys don't last long, he destroys most of them but he loves a cow that he somehow has managed to keep "alive". "We have a dog walker that takes him to the park on Thursdays and he gave him a cow that moos when you squeeze it. He's taken off most of the appendages of that toy except for the main body that moos. So he will walk around the house carrying it and he's so proud of it and he loves the fact that he can make it moo."

Eric's sister's dog, an Akita name Roo, is Neko's friend, as is Sam, the Eric's parent's dog. "They run around and have a pretty good time." Eschenbach adds, "Neko's best dog friend is our neighbor's dog, Katie. They love playing together so much that Eric made a little doggie gate in the fence between our yards so they can play."

But despite his canine friends, Neko really is a people dog. "When we go to the Westcrest dog park he will pass up all the dogs and run right up to the people, "as if to say Hi! and wait for a pat on the head or a little scratch. He just wants to lean up against everybody. He puts his whole body weight against them like, 'You're my best friend.' "

They get his nails done at Stella Ruffington's on California Ave. "but otherwise he's pretty low maintenance, aside from all the shedding hair," she said laughing," He sheds quite a bit."

Neko is curious and active to be sure and it's possible that he's unaware of his size. "We have a cat and a cat door so the cat can come and go, but it's too small for the dog. But he does like to poke his head out of it and watch what's going on."

How to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week:

Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Animal Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.

Photos may or may not be used and our "Pet Reporter" may be in touch with you to arrange to take a photo. Pets nominated will be chosen on the basis of uniqueness of the pet and the quality of the story and information submitted.