Author: Jennifer Currier

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This week’s Pet of the Week is Toby, who’s been an Arlington resident for less than a year. He was adopted after being rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico and brought to the United States. While he’s adjusting to the colder temperatures and island lifestyle, Toby has made Arlington his home.

Here’s more from Toby’s new owners about the fashionable pup:

Hi! My name is Toby. I’m a trilingual (English, Spanish and French) mixed Chihuahua adopted six months ago from Lost Dog Rescue.

I lived the first three years of my life in Dorado Puerto, Rico until my owner moved and left me on the streets. Fortunately for me, a kind lady in San Juan and her young daughter took me in for foster care before the dog catcher snagged me. They had me flown to Lost Dog Rescue in Arlington for a permanent adoption. I was, of course, adopted a few days later, and my new parents wouldn’t part with me for the world.

I’ve had to make some adjustments in Arlington. I left average high temperatures of 85 degrees in San Juan in April for cool, often rainy spring days in Arlington that sometimes didn’t reach 45 degrees. I now have a growing wardrobe of coats, sweaters and, of course, a raincoat to help me cope with the weather. Even though the fit isn’t always perfect, I don’t mind wearing anything to humor my parents — but don’t even think about putting a hood on me.

My idea of the perfect day is lots of snoozing time on the sofa in the family room, sunning and watching for squirrels or rabbits on the backyard deck, walks around the neighborhood to look for new acquaintances, and car rides anywhere to watch the world from my elevated rear car seat/bed. Special days include an afternoon smelling expedition to one of Arlington’s nature centers.

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.

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This week’s pet of the week is Tweetie, a 15-year-old Cockatiel who misses his first owner and his favorite human very much. Still, he’s adjusted to his new home and lives by his own rules.

Here’s what Tweetie’s new owner has to say about the old but loving, singing bird:

This is Tweetie. He came to me after his owner passed away. He is a cranky old bird who is known to drop all of his food on the bottom of his cage to let me know that he would prefer birdseed.

Cockatiels are generally very social birds that can be hand tamed and clicker trained. But Tweetie will have none of this. He likes his humans to visit him and tell him he is a pretty bird, but he would prefer not to be touched, and he will not under any circumstances echo a whistle. Tweetie has a number of interesting bird calls, but he will only sing on his terms.

Tweetie has become a wonderful addition to our family. If you are looking for a pet that is less maintenance than a dog but still loving, funny and affectionate, consider a bird!

Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet.

Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Arlington and Northern Virginia.