Larry and Sherry Luke got Scooby Doo at the Animal Shelter on Elliott Avenue about four years ago. He's a Coon Hound. "He's a lap dog and likes to snuggle under the covers," said Sherry.

"They are tracking dogs," said Larry, " they were bred to hunt cougars and bears. A friend of ours told us that her dad had them and they can get up to about 110 pounds but this guy is only about 65 pounds."

"He crawls underneath our coffee table and gets behind the couch since he's been a puppy," said Larry though they are not sure why he does this but unlike many dogs Scooby is not bothered by sirens or fireworks in the least.

He seems to have quite a talent though for finding and killing rats (and will sometimes chase cats though only for fun). When he catches one he will sometimes grab the rat by the tail and flip him, often high enough to get over a fence.

Scooby loves people food but tends to avoid pickles. He's not a fan.

The name is of course after the famous cartoon canine because, "When he was a puppy he was all ears, paws and and big tummy and he just looked like Scooby Doo. Scooby's best friend is a German Shorthair named Rufus and they often get together to play.

Scooby is smart enough open the gate at home so now the Luke's have to keep a padlock on it, "Or else he'll take himself for a walk," Sherry said. On the Fourth of July the wind came up and knocked some boards loose and he managed to squeeze through. When Larry went to work that day Scooby wasn't there as he left so he and Sherry drove around the neighborhood and luckily a lady had him on a leash in her front yard, about a block away.

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 Animal 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.