PET OF THE MONTH
Introducing the 2026 Pet of the Month, POTM - Bent Tree North's paws-itively adorable way to celebrate our four-legged (and occasionally feathered or finned or crawly) neighbors! Each month, a lucky local pet is discretly selected to be featured as our honorary community star. It's all just for fun - no voting, no competition-just a chance to share smiles, wagging tails, and the joy our pets bring to daily neighborhood life. Because let's be honest - sometimes the pets are the best neighbors of all.
HI! MY NAME IS DIXIE COLTRIN! I'm part Chihuahua and Miniature Pincher. I was a Malibu, CA orphan doing my second stint in the Malibu Animal Rescue Center when one afternoon two young girls - Kristen Crosby and her roommate Claire came by the center to check out dogs. They were students at Pepperdine University. I eyed them immediately - giving them my full attention please, please take me home! Well, they did take me home which was an apartment. I was very happy indeed - lots of activity. Summer break began in May, so Kristen and I flew to Dallas where Kristen’s family lived. Her parents were not interested in having a fourth dog so on May 11th, 2011, Kristen took me to her grandparent's home and begged Jan and Roger Coltrin to take me for just three weeks. I'm a small dog and I don't run away when you open the door and I guess that's why Jan and Roger liked me - especially Roger so now I live in Dallas permanently.
In January of 2012 Roger had to have a heart surgery it didn't go very well. He didn't have much energy, and his meds created short term memory loss. He needed me. I was always with him - sitting on his lap, protecting him and giving him lots of comfort and love. Roger did have periods where he could do more activities and sometimes travel with me. One time the fall of 2014 we were in Green Bay, WI heading to Door County. Jan and Roger wanted to stop in Green Bay to tour the Green Bay Packers stadium. They wanted the 9:30 tour so I was left in the car with the sunroof open and the side windows opened a crack. Jan and Roger were beginning the tour in front of the Vince Lombardy statue when someone gave the host a slip of paper. He called out “anyone here from Texas” and read the license plate number. Guess who it was? Jan and Roger raised their hands. The Humane Society truck was in full view of everyone with the tour - in front of the Lombardi statue. It was too hot for me in the car, and everyone looked at Jan and Roger like they were monsters. Jan returned to the car and Roger took the tour. I played the part of a pathetic dog accepting the sympathy from the humane workers. I ignored Jan. I was on a ROLL! I was given so much attention and even given a new water bowl. The humane workers gave Jan a warning about leaving me in the car. I have to say it was September and the temperature was 72 and it wasn't Texas. Still, I was never left in the car alone in Wisconsin again.
Roger thought I could do no wrong, but many people did not agree with him. He was my best friend. On April 19th, 2016, I lost my best friend. Jan told Kristen that giving me to them was the best present ever. I was a present. Imagine that. I had some health issues like seizures and a bad back and sore left leg. We solved all those problems by ordering Dr. Marty’s dog food! I have been on Dr. Marty’s dog food for about 7 years, and I haven't had a seizure yet - my left leg feels great and I have no problems. Dr. DeWitt had to retire, but we found a new vet in Garland who is like a dog whisperer. I still miss Dr. DeWitt.
Guess what! In May I will be 119 years old and still kickin’. 105 of my 119 years have been spent and BENT TREE NORTH. I think that makes me one of the oldest residents in the neighborhood!
Fondly,
Dixie Crosby - Coltrin
Meet Josie!
Born in 2020, Josie the Shih Tzu has been spreading joy since day one. With her adorable face and fluffy charm, she quickly wins over everyone she meets.
Josie has a big personality packed into a small, cuddly body. She loves playing with her toys and makes sure everyone knows when it's time for fun. Whether it's a squeaky plush, a tennis ball, or her favorite chew toy, playtime is always the best time in Josie's world!
When she's not busy entertaining herself (and everyone around her), Josie enjoys relaxing in the comfiest spot in the house, soaking up attention, and being the sweet companion her family adores.
We're so lucky to have this playful, loveable girl as part of our family.
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Meet Beans!
Beans is a recent Texas transplant who has quickly adapted to Dallas life. He's a 6 year old rescue who was found on a wintry 16 degree evening in Chattanooga, Tennessee and is a Chihuahua Yorkie mix. He prides himself on his ability to protect his family from the neighborhood squirrels and rabbits, but is a little uncertain about the coyotes! He loves meeting new friends and welcomes them to visit anytime!
Meet Buster!
Buster is a 10 pound Shitzu Poodle mix. I found him running behind a jogger in my prior neighborhood. Since I didn't recognize him, I asked the jogger if he belonged to her, and did she see how far behind he was lagging? She said no, but that he had been following her for several blocks.
I took him home, put up 6 posters in the neighborhood, but never got a call. He did not have a collar and was not chipped. The Veterinarian thought Buster was around a year and a half.
We already had 2 English Springer Spaniels, but decided to keep him. In the beginning he thought he was in charge, but our Springer male thought differently. Thus, we named him Buster.
Buster is now about fourteen and a half. He has been a loyal and spunky addition to our house. Buster is old, almost deaf and almost blind from cataracts. All these ailments aside, he still wags his tail and licks his lips when he goes on car rides. Buster is happy and content, and in his old age we care for him like a new baby.
You will see me, Buster's Mom, walking him or pushing him in his stroller on Harbor Town & Hilton Head.
Sreeni Chittoor, my husband, and I feel that we made the right decision to rescue Buster, who we adore.
We now hug him, hold him and enjoy our time with man's best friend! Buster has earned it!
Tara Carey
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Meet Birdie!
Birdie is our sweet and spirited Bernedoodle who truly believes every day - and every neighbor - is a gift. She starts each morning with her most important job: waking up the kids with tail wags, kisses, and boundless optimism. Once her family is up and moving, she proudly takes on her next role as a trusted and very enthusiastic carpool rider, happily supervising the school commute from her favorite window. Birdie loves daily walks around the neighborhood, greeting everyone she meets with gentle excitement and fluffy charm. One of her greatest joys is racing over to Grandma & Grandpa's house-conveniently just down the street - where she is guaranteed extra cuddles and maybe a secret treat or two. When she's not following her mom or snuggling on the couch, she can usually be found in the backyard keeping a close eye on her family as they fish - or hopping into the pool for a swim, but only if the kids are in the water too. And because Birdie never wants to miss a moment of love, she has one very important rule: if hugs are happening, she must be included. In Birdie's world, hugs are for everyone. She's a loyal, loving and always on duty. Birdie is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful community - feel free to say hi when you see her wagging her tail way down the street!
October 2025
Meet Elva Mae and Sue Holland!
Elva Mae is a four-year-old golden retriever and working dog. Elva was trained so she could visit the memory care center when my husband had Alzheimer's. Since she was four months, Elva has loved working with the residents.
One day, a resident named Tim was near the end of life. Elva gently climbed onto his bed without stepping on him, snuggled close, and stayed by his side. Tim, who had Parkinson's, visibly relaxed, smiled and became peaceful. His family later told me it was a comfort they would never forget. Tim's family gave me permission to share this story because it meant so much to them. Elva Mae loves parties! Maybe you can meet her sometime.
June/July 2025
Meet Cookie!
Cookie was a puppy when she was rescued from a ranch in Greenville, Texas, where she was found stuck in a cattleguard. She is a delicious mix of Border Collie, Poodle and Golden Retriever, with a touch of Mini Aussie.
Cookie belongs to Kaye and Darren, and has been in their family for one year this spring, happily living with their two cats Socks and Juno. Cookie looks forward to her morning walks through the BTN neighborhood, especially when she sees her two and four-legged friends. We'll see you around!
December 2024
Meet Merlin!
Merlin is a bi-color Persian, who has ruled the Harris-Walter household for five years. Doted on by his human staff, Merlin came to them when he was only nine weeks old, and has grown up thinking he rules his world, which he does. Merlin loves traveling, treats and mostly his backyard. He likes to go to Lowes and the various pets stores. Merlin also likes to go to Akumal, Mexico, with his human companions, where he especially enjoys chilling on his beach. Most of all, Merlin loves roaming in his Dallas back yard (which is completely safe), climbing his big oak tree so he can look over the fence to see the rest of the world!
October 2024
Meet Otto!
Otto Withrow, a Swedish Vallhund, was adopted as a 3 year old by Barton and Susan Withrow the week before the Covid shut down. Swedish Vallhunds are a very old breed originating about 900 years ago and used by the Vikings as herding dogs. Almost disappearing, the breed was reestablished in the 1940s by Swedish dog breeders. Otto, bred as a show dog, whose owner unfortunately passed away, went to live on another breeder’s farm. After Barton and Susan’s beloved Max, a Boston Terrier, passed away, they met Otto and they all fell mutually in love. Today, Otto loves getting all the attention in Barton and Susan’s empty nester household.
September 2024
Meet Ziggy Stardust!
Ziggy Stardust belongs to Susan, loves children, and loves walking around the neighborhood. He and his parent live on Hilton Head, so he can often be seen in Phase 1 of BTN. Meet him on your next walk!
If you would like your beloved pet featured, please let us know here, and select SOCIAL under the "Send To".