Whose pet?

Grovetown Department of Public Safety Chief Al Robinson and Sadie

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Sadie, a yellow Labrador retriever, became a member of the Robinson family three years ago, and seems to think she has become one of them.

In addition, Al Robinson said his Lab not only behaves like a child at times but is also great with children of all ages.

Her hobbies include playing in the yard, protecting her family and swimming.

"She loves the water. You can't keep her out of the water," said Robinson, who said Sadie likes taking trips to the lake.

State Sen. Bill Jackson and Sugar

The Jacksons have raised their horse, Sugar, since she was a colt.

"She's just a nice, sweet horse, is all I know," Bill Jackson said.

The 5-year-old horse takes the family on trail rides and can pull a buggy and wagon, Jackson said.

Sugar's deeds don't go unrewarded.

"She likes treats," he said. "We give her treats if she does something good."

Jackson, who has a few horses on his Appling property, said that he loves horses and that Sugar and the others are all nice and mild-mannered.

Columbia County Associate Magistrate Judge Bobby Christine and Frankie

Frankie became the newest addition to the Christine family during the Christmas holiday.

The 6-month-old golden retriever was brought to their home by Santa a few days after Christmas and became an instant hit with the Christines' three young children.

"He loves those children to death, and, of course, they love him," Christine said.

Frankie's full name, Frances Albert, is a tribute to Frank Sinatra, he said.

Frankie is intelligent and sensitive and loves to please, Christine said.

"He loves to play catch and fetch, but he also loves swimming," he said. "If he sees water, he's into it."

Columbia County Board of Education Chairwoman Regina Buccafusco and Bailey

Regina Buccafusco received Bailey, a 5-year-old Scottish terrier, as a birthday present from her husband.

Though Bailey is small, her size doesn't stop her from protecting her family.

"She barks at everything," Buccafusco said. "She thinks she's a Great Dane."

She also keeps the Buccafusco's chocolate Labradoodle in check, Buccafusco added.

Bailey will let her family know when she is upset by closing herself inside the laundry room, she said, describing Bailey as "very prissy."

"She's very proper about everything she does," she said. "She likes to just run the house."

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Karen Chrjapin and Toby

Karen Chrjapin finds the joy in having a "grand-dog" named Toby, a 6-year-old Bernese mountain dog.

"I love the fact that I can enjoy the benefits of a dog without any of the responsibilities to provide for him," she said.

Toby, who is owned by Chrjapin's daughter, thinks he is the size of a poodle." Chrjapin said.

"Although he's the size of a small bear and weighs about 125 pounds, he still thinks he should be able to sit on your lap," said Chrjapin. Toby is smart, sweet and beautiful, she said.

Harlem Mayor Bobby Culpepper with Dolly and Sassy

Dolly and Sassy are golden retrievers, but their similarities end there.

Sassy, a 9-year-old, is smart, said Bobby Culpepper, and she acts as though she's royalty.

"She is very regal," he said. "She's very proper. She doesn't bark at other dogs. She just stands and looks at them as if they're dogs and she's something else."

Dolly, on the other hand, is the wild child of the family, Culpepper said.

The 4-year-old is affectionate and likes to bark and play a lot, he said.

"She plays and aggravates Sassy," Culpepper said, "and when Sassy doesn't want to play she'll stand and bark at her.

"It is amazing how different their personalities and everything can be."

Greenbrier Middle School Principal Carolyn Fries and Lola

Lola, a 6-year-old miniature long-haired dachshund, must follow a strict diet that is different from most dogs.

Lola was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 1, Carolyn Fries said.

Lola's diagnosis doesn't keep her from having fun, however.

"She likes to tear the stuffing out of the inside of toys," Fries said.

Fries acknowledges that Lola is spoiled but says that she is sweet, loving and shy.

"We enjoy having nap time on the weekend," she said.

The Rev. Cindy Taylor, of the Church of the Holy Comforter, and Jack

Cindy Taylor's 3-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi, Jack, loves to be around people.

Jack, a certified therapy dog, and Taylor visit hospitals, rehab centers and schools together.

"He loves to play," Taylor said. "He loves to go outside, loves to play ball, and loves to be with people, especially children."

Jack also has a rebellious side, said Taylor, who describes her dog as outgoing and mischievous.

"He can have this little grin on his face, sort of like 'I know I'm going to get into trouble, but I'm going to do it anyway,' " she said.

Taylor said that Jack is a great companion to her other 15-month-old dog.

Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle and Darla

Darla doesn't seem to mind her role as the head honcho among Clay Whittle's group of dogs.

"She is the smallest one in the group," the sheriff said about his 17-year-old Chihuahua, "but she is the absolute boss."

When Darla was 10 years old, she was rescued by Whittle's wife.

Though Darla is blind in one eye, she still keeps a close watch over her family, Whittle said.

She loves to explore and ride in vehicles.

Whittle said many people are surprised to find out that Darla is his dog.

"I've had big dogs all my life, but once I found Darla, that was enough for me," he said. "My little dog is my favorite."

Evans Middle School Principal Michael Johnson and Zeke

Zeke likes doing two things at the Johnson household.

"He loves chasing soccer balls in his spare time, but he's a lazy rascal," Michael Johnson said about his muscular 2-year-old English bulldog.

After a long day of play, Zeke likes to find a nice place to take a nap.

"He likes to sleep a lot," said Johnson, adding that Zeke tends to snore. "He likes to find the cool shade to relax him."

Columbia County Emergency Services Director Pam Tucker and Coco

When Pam Tucker comes home from work, she knows where to find her 11-year-old chocolate toy poodle Coco.

Coco sits in the window and waits for Tucker's car to turn in the driveway.

"My job is real stressful," Tucker said. "When I leave and go home, he is just the joy that meets me at the door."

Tucker said she and Coco like to do a lot of things, and that includes singing together.

Coco also likes to play hide and seek, play with his basket of toys, and run in the backyard.

"He loves to chase squirrels," Tucker said. "He has never ever caught one in 11 years, but he has a blast chasing them and barking at them."

Columbia County Probate Court Judge Pat Hardaway and Diddy

Pat Hardaway's 7-year-old shepherd mix is a big hit with the neighborhood children.

"They (children) come to the fence and call her, and she licks their fingers through the fence," Hardaway said.

Diddy became a part of the family when Hardaway's daughters brought her home from a Masters party.

"She's a real loving dog and she likes attention," Hardaway said. "She doesn't bark very much. She's a little quiet and a little timid."

After Diddy has visited with the children outside, she likes doing something else.

"She's a digger," Hardaway said. "She digs up all my flowers."