In the middle of the pandemic, I met a stranger in a parking lot late at night—and all I got to show for it was the cutest dog I’ve ever seen in my life. Pancake, my Aussie-mix, is a bundle of energy with a personality that makes me laugh every single day. Pancake loves to help me plot novels, chase the cats, then beg for soccer when I take writing breaks.

His favorite food: Sandwich cookie dog treats

His favorite game: Soccer

His favorite pastime: Digging under the fence to steal oranges from the neighbor’s tree

The funniest thing about Pancake is he’s super hesitant to try new food. If you give him something new, he’ll take it to the middle of the room, set it down, and thoroughly investigate the item before attempting to eat it. He also will not eat if you’re watching him. (I mean, I get it, I don’t like people watching me eat either.)