Sala is a miniature Australian Shepherd and her owner Rebecca Robbins named her for a special reason. "I went to the library and I got an ethnic baby name book because I knew what I wanted her name to mean but I didn't want to call her 'Angel' so it's actually Hindu for a tree that has branches from Heaven that bring you blessings and peace. And that's what she does," said Robbins.

"I wanted a dog for years and years," explained Robbins," and one of the things I wanted was a dog that made other people smile, that she didn't just love me, but she made other people happy too. Most of the people who walk down Beach Drive, they all know Sala."

Sala is so well known in the neighborhood in fact that, "I go to the grocery store," said Robbins" and nobody recognizes me but if I'm with Sala they all know who I am."

Sala is 16 1/2 years old, weighs 17 pounds and often goes for a walk with Robbins or her fiance Jim Kaiser in Constellation Park, just south of the Alki Lighthouse.

Sala has more courage than her size might indicate. "She'll stand her ground," said Kaiser," If other dogs bark she'll bark right back. We've had big German Shepherds bark at her and she just stands her ground, barks and says 'I can take care of my own."

"Other than that she's not a yappy kind of dog," offered Robbins.

Sala is partial to tuna and BBQ chicken, though her diet is limited a bit to keep her healthy, and she's a big fan of car rides. If you suggest
a car ride, "She's ready to go," said Robbins. She will ride in the open window and, "I've never seen anyone drive by where it didn't bring a smile to their face," said Kaiser.

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.