Sophie was born in September 1999. She lived with a family in southern Illinois, who turned her in to the ARK Animal Shelter in Lacon. She was found on August 15, 2000, and brought to her new home in Chicago.

Sophie: "I am an international dog of mystery. Mom was a black Lab who had interesting taste in men. Dad might have been a Dalmatian, Pointer, or Border Collie, since I like to chase, point, and herd. Mostly I like to wrestle and chase squirrels or other dogs, like my friends Giza from Egypt, Seamus, and Herky. I love people, especially kids, and anyone with treats in his pocket."

• Visit Evanston Dog Beach and Puptown, two of Sophie's favorite play spots.
• Check out the Petfinder web site, where Sophie's owner learned about her home shelter.
• Lola's page has lots of dog health links.
• Mutt Magazine!
• Sophie's friend Sophia drew a beautiful picture.
• Some pictures of Sophie and an old friend, Stuart the Poodle puppy, from 2000.

Sophie and her new Poodle puppy friend Seamus (May 2002)

Sophie and Herky (left), Spring 2002

I like to help with the laundry.

My mom made me dress up as an order of McDonald's french fries for the Puptown Halloween party. I have never been so humiliated.

write to Sophie