Phil, who lives with Allen Nelson and his wife Yoka, is a combination of a Daschund and a long haired Chihuahua, which explains the big ears and the general fearlessness. But Phil, is technically not Allen's dog. "He's actually our son's girlfriend's dog but he's lived with us for 2 1/2 years, so we call him 'Part Time Phil' but really he's 'Full Time Phil.' Nelson has no idea where Phil came from. "I have no idea. He just appeared one day." Now he is Yoka's "constant companion."

The Nelson's took custody of Phil because their son's girlfriend lives in an apartment that does not allow dogs. "So my son has his place and he works all day so...Phil's with us."

Phil loves to go on sniff patrols on Beach Drive as Nelson strolls along behind him."He's very slow." You might think Phil is the source of the motivation. Not so. "My wife keeps me active by sending us out for a walk."

Phil is a blend of bluster and sweetness said Nelson, "He barks at you then sits on your lap 2 minutes later."

Their's a wool lamb that Phil enjoys throwing around and his diet is just basic dry kibble. Treats are often a roast beef snack.

"He's got a very good life," Nelson explained, "He sleeps a lot. We should be so lucky."

That's not to say Phil is completely idle. "He's a guard dog," Nelson said. "He can hear everything and he will bark if there's somebody in our driveway. He's got big ears and big eyes. As our son says, 'It's his job to wake up the big dog.' Now we just need to get the big dog."

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.