This little ball of cuteness is Coach. He’s a 3-year-old poodle-mix who rescued me two years ago. When I saw him at the shelter in Yuma, Ariz. I knew I was destined to give him his forever home. I’ve never known the absolute love and joy of any dog prior or any dog since – he really is my soul pup. While he’s a ball of energy who loves running in the park and chasing squirrels, he’s also perfectly happy cuddling and watching TV. In case you’re wondering: He’s not named after Coach, the luxury leather goods brand, but Coach Ditka from the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears.
– Erin Redmond, Dispatch sports editor