The singularly named Mugoux said that her dog, Oliver came to her in a dream before she met him. "This is an amazing dog because I dreamt about a dog," Mugoux said," and had no interest in getting a dog. I had a dream where everything was a disaster, but you know how in dreams you go from scene to scene, and they change completely? In my dream there was this little imp of a dog that followed me through every disaster that happened in the dream and I had that dream in May, about four years ago."

At the time she lived in Houston and in late summer she realized she wanted a dog, so she started going to animal rescue shelters and then one day, "I was shocked," she said," I didn't even remember that dream but there he was. He was the dog in my dream! He has been with me now through many an arduous journey."

Mugoux and Oliver (who is a Rat Terrier) have lived in West Seattle for around a year now. He will eat anything but Mugoux said, "He's kind of of a vegetarian. He loves lettuce and carrots and canteloupe. I guess canteloupe would be his favorite food."

Oliver has had his share of close calls. "He got bit by a water moccasin on his tongue and almost died, but he survived it," Mugoux said, but she believes there's a larger purpose at work. "He's completely there to take care of me. He protects me. He's there for me."

As for the dream, Mugoux can only say, "He's an angel. I do think so. I think mostly he goads me into keeping going. It's as if he is saying, 'Come on let's go! What are we gonna do now? He keeps me living life in a robust way."

Oliver prefers humans as friends, "She's one of my best friends," Mugoux said," She lives on Vashon Island and he was always a little stand offish but she forced herself upon him and really loved him up so he became this real lover and one time they were waiting in the ferry line to go to Vashon and what he does now is comes up on the chest and nuzzles and the ferry guy walked by and said, 'Why don't you two get a room!'"

How to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week:

Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.

Photos may or may not be used and our "Pet Reporter" may be in touch with you to arrange to take a photo. Pets nominated will be chosen on the basis of uniqueness of the pet and the quality of the story and information submitted.