When Lizzy talks about her dogs, Chloe and Millie, there’s a calm joy in her voice—a tone that only comes from years of deep companionship. These two pups have not only grown up alongside Lizzy, but they’ve shaped the rhythm of her family’s life in ways both small and profound.

Millie, a 15-year-old Border Collie mix, was the first to arrive. “We adopted Millie from a shelter in Maine,” Lizzy recalls. “My dad actually had her first, but when she was about six, he gave her to me. She needed more exercise, and he couldn’t keep up. She’s been with me ever since.”

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Then came Chloe—an energetic Australian Shepherd with a heart full of mischief and affection. “My husband got Chloe as a puppy,” Lizzy says. “I think he saw how close I was with Millie and wanted that kind of bond too.” From the start, Chloe brought a whole new kind of energy into their home: playful, silly, and absolutely devoted to her family.

“Chloe’s a lot of fun,” Lizzy says with a smile. “She’s real silly and just a great family dog. She keeps us all laughing.” One of her quirks? “She has this old, stinky blanket she drags around everywhere like it’s a security blanket. It’s kind of gross, but really sweet. Like her version of a stuffed animal.”

Millie, on the other hand, is the wise old soul of the household. “She’s always been a good nanny dog,” Lizzy says. “Ever since my son was born, she’s watched over him like he’s her own.” Whether it’s emotional support or simply quiet presence, Millie has been a grounding force in the family.

The two dogs have had their share of adventures together—many of them outdoors. “We’ve done a lot of hiking over the years,” Lizzy says. “They both love the trails, and there’s been plenty of Frisbee time.” Chloe, naturally, would vote for even more. “If she could write me a letter, I think she’d say, ‘More Frisbee time, please!’” Lizzy laughs. “And Millie? She’d probably say, ‘I want some sheep.’”

Despite their age gap, Chloe and Millie have always gotten along—mostly. “Chloe’s half Millie’s age, and she definitely keeps her young,” Lizzy shares. “She’ll make Millie play even when she’s not really in the mood.” Of course, like siblings, there’s the occasional scuffle. “There’ve been a couple of little dog fights, but nothing too serious. Just a scratch on the muzzle here and there.”

What’s clear is how deeply these dogs are woven into the fabric of Lizzy’s life. They’ve changed the way her family moves through the world—getting them outside more, encouraging play, offering quiet comfort. “We get a lot more exercise and outside time because of them,” Lizzy says. “Even coming here today—we came for them, and then my son gets to go to the playground too. It all works out.”

When asked what lessons her dogs have taught her, Lizzy pauses thoughtfully. “Definitely patience,” she says. “And that we’re constantly learning together.” It’s a gentle reminder that even after 15 years, there’s still more to discover—about our dogs, about ourselves, and about the beautiful bond we build with them day by day.

“I think they’ve had a good life,” Lizzy says, smiling. “And I think they’d say thank you for it.”