This October, we’re doing something a little different — because why feature one fabulous furry friend when we can introduce you to five?! Meet the majestic, lovable, and delightfully quirky Great Pyrenees pack that calls our Palisades neighborhood home: Sophie, Bruno, April, Mikey, and Daisy. Four of these gentle giants are rescues, and the fifth — Miss Daisy — hails from a Washington farm. Each one has a story as big and heartwarming as they are.
🐶 Sophie “Motor Boat” Koerger
Born in August 2016, Sophie joined her family through the Columbia Cascade Great Pyrenees Rescue and has been charming neighbors ever since. You’ll often find her proudly showing off her Olympic-level digging skills in the backyard or high-stepping her way through Palisades on a daily walk. Sophie adores humans and her best buddy and fellow Great Pyrenees Bruno, but other dogs? Meh — she’s got better things to do. At home, she’s affectionately nicknamed “Motor Boat” thanks to her delightfully loud snores that sound just like an old Chris-Craft engine idling.
🐶 Bruno “Flounder” Patzkowski
Handsome Bruno, born in February 2017, is another proud alum of Columbia Cascade Great Pyrenees Rescue. Shy around people but a total social butterfly with other pups, Bruno’s favorite indulgence is a water buffalo horn stuffed with peanut butter. He’s also known for his culinary curiosity — aka kitchen counter surfing — so guard those leftovers! Hiking Mt. Hood or strolling with his BFF Sophie is Bruno’s idea of a perfect day. His nickname, “Flounder” (yep, from Animal House), suits his sweet, goofy charm and gentle soul.
🐶 April “Schmee” Stevens
Meet April, the graceful guardian of Greentree and Cherry Crest. This stunning girl, likely born in November 2014, was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Texas by Big Dog Rescue Project and adopted by her family in 2016. April isn’t one for toys (no matter how many her family tries), but she loves digging, rolling in dirt, and softly “whoo”-ing at the wind from her post as yard sentinel. Her most memorable adventure? Missing her flight from San Antonio to Seattle during adoption travel — but no worries, she made the next one!
🐶 Mikey “Big Mike” Stevens
The youngest of the crew, Mikey (aka Big Mike), was found as a stray puppy near Austin, Texas, and adopted in April 2024. Born around April 2022, he’s a playful, lovable goofball with a passion for paper towels, crayons, and drinking rainwater from the patio instead of his bowl. He’s also known for walking while peeing (a unique talent) and zooming joyfully around the yard before basking in the sunshine.
🐶 Daisy “Crazy Daisy” Potter
Last but definitely not least, meet Daisy, born in September 2020. This Great Pyrenees–Maremma mix, lovingly called “Daisy May” or “Crazy Daisy,” came from a Washington farm and now delights the Cherry Crest community. She’s playful, adventurous, and slightly mischievous — she untucks bedsheets to nap directly on the mattress and insists on sticking her head out the car window on drives. Daisy’s favorite toy? A beloved blue bunny. Favorite pastime? Walks, doggy playdates, and backyard zoomies galore.
💛 A Furry Force of Nature
Whether they’re patrolling the yard, snuggling up with their humans, or strutting down Palisades with their trademark fluffy white coats, these five gentle giants are a beloved part of our neighborhood. So the next time you see a cloud on four legs trotting by, be sure to wave — it’s probably one of our October stars! 🐾
Would you like us to feature your pet? Submit your pet’s name and photo to newsletter@palisadesneighborhood.org
