Leah Mendel, got her dog Chesai, (that she and her husband call "Cheese"), adopted her from a family in West Seattle that was looking for a better home for her. "She was kind of a neighborhood dog that seemed to fit in better in our household than where she was," explained Mendel. Her name is Japanese and it means "little or small" and she came with the name. Mendel studied Japanese in college so when this dog came into their lives that was part of the fit.

Chesai is eleven years old and Mendel describes her as "a mutt with Labrador Retriever, German Short Hair Pointer and we don't know what else, but maybe Shepherd because she's got those Merle eyes.

Mendel was married on Memorial Day weekend and they got the dog shortly thereafter.

You may recall that the weather at that time was rainy and Chesai actually came in out the rain, "She was known as being an escape artist," Mendel explained.

Chesai is not a highly active dog though, "she has spunk for being eleven," Mendel said. "She does a lot of sleeping during the day. We both work and I have Wednesdays off so that's her time to be out and be with us, but otherwise she sleeps in the front room on my vintage chair. She's there when I leave and she's there when I get home."

Chesai gets fed twice a day with dry food and she will eat anything but really loves bacon treats or milk bone treats.

Lucy, the Mendel's cat is Chesai's friend whose own adoption story was "rough" according to Mendel. They've become good friends. Chesai's cousin, Tela, "lives on Genesee Hill, with my sister and brother-in-law."

"When she wants your attention, she'll get it. If she needs you she will give your hand a nudge to let you know she needs to be petted or let out or just wants some attention. She makes her needs and desires known."