Dave Hult and Caroline Chao got their dog Riley, whom Hult describes as a, "kind of a mutt, German Shepherd, Rottweiler mix," at the Seattle Animal Shelter on 15th Ave. n.w. in 2004.

He was about a year old when Hult got him and "he was in the corner kind of sad and depressed because he had been hit by a car and his whole left paw was de-gloved and wounded so we got him and nursed him back to health. I think he picked me."

Riley is a good companion, "but he's a bit lazy," said Hult, but we have four chickens and he's learning to adapt and play nicely. (...) He's very aware if something is different so he's a good guard dog but then he's lazy at the same time."

Riley has a couple of friends in town and a few toys but he's, "a chewer," said Hult. "He will take a tennis ball in his teeth and completely de-fur it. But his favorite chew toy is a big Nyla bone."

Blue Buffalo dry dog food is the menu of choice for Riley and his treats are Charlee Bears dog treats, "but sometimes we just give him an apple. He will just sit there and nibble at it really gently. He will also chew on ice, he's a big ice fan."

Swimming is only an occasional activity for Riley is really more of a "wader, but then he gets bored and starts chewing at the waves and then finds a stick and destroys that. He will chase the white caps and try to chomp on them."

Hult, who used to work at the UW would go to Santa Fe, New Mexico, "and he would come with. He loves car rides. He would be a little migratory dog with me. He would travel there, and I used to live in New York. He's well traveled." Hult is used to long car trips and Riley really enjoys it. "He just curls up in a little ball. He loves it."

"He's been so great and such a loyal friend. He helped me figure out where I want to be with myself. Being responsible for another animal, another thing, kind of helped me figure out what my priorities are."

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.