VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Princess Alley
What’s your name, and do you think it’s as awesome as you are?
Princess, of course my name is awesome, I am a Princess!
Who is your human and what is their role at the veterinary college?
My mom is a licensed veterinary technician with the oncology service.
What kind of critter are you, and what makes your breed (or mix) totally pawsome?
I am a cocker spaniel. We have the curliest cute ears. I am very affectionate, faithful and quiet. But most of all I am loyal.
How many candles are on your birthday cake this year—or are you keeping that a secret?
18, most cocker spaniels live 12-15 years!
Where did you find your human, and what made you pick them?
I was at the Pulaski County Animal Control when my mom magically appeared. I didn't know it but my mom got an email about a bunch of my friends and me being available for adoption. I was in the back of the run scared to death while all my friends were at the front of the having fun, I was taken away from my first owner because he was not taking good care of us. For the first 5 years of my life all I did was have babies. Thankfully those days are over.
How would you describe yourself: a snugglebug, a wild child, or the boss of the house?
I am the queen now. I follow my mom no matter where she goes. On days she is working I snuggle in my bed until she comes home. When the time gets close to my mom coming home I go tp the door to watch for her. Occasionally, mom and I set on the couch and snuggle but I don't like being off the floor for very long. I am the sweetest dog my family has ever owned. I think my little brother is my puppy. I love to wash him and take care of him.
What’s your signature move to get attention—puppy eyes, zoomies, or something else?
I gallop thru the house when my mom finally comes home each day. Otherwise I just stare at mom.
Do you have a favorite toy that you’d fight a dragon to keep?
no, as a breeding dog I didn't have toys. My new mom has gotten me many toys but I don't really know what to do with them.
What’s your go-to snack, and how do you convince your human to hand it over? (Do you have a secret trick?)
I have learnt mom keep mini milk bones in the laundry room area. All I have to do is sit and stare at mom while she is doing laundry.
What’s the most epic adventure you’ve had with your human?
I love to sneak over to the neighbors house to see what they have thrown out for the birds. I find biscuits and bread all the time. It's the best place in the world! I watch for my owners to not be paying attention, then I slip around the vehicles so they can't see me go to the neighbors house to hind treasures.
What’s something you did that left your human totally speechless—good or bad?
I had a really bad summer in 2023. I almost died twice when I had a dental and then again when I had to have my spleen taken out. I also developed a very bad infection that I had to take strong medicine for. I was so sick my mom had to carry me outside to go potty because I couldn't stand or walk very far. My mom syringe fed me every two hours for about a week before I started eating a little bit on my own. My mom was so happy when I ate that fist piece of bread on my own. I knew my mommy wanted me to get better so I tried really hard to eat more each day. It took me about six weeks to be able to eat my regular meal each day. It made my mommy so happy.
What’s your best “I’m too cute to handle” pose for the camera?
I sit in front of the fireplace with my front legs straight out and my beautiful ears hanging down looking at my mom.
Describe a day in your fabulous life. Do you work hard or hardly work?
In my early days I was always a busy mom. Now in my retirement I live the royal life.
Do you have any rituals with your human, like belly rub o’clock or snack time at sundown?
I sleep in my bed right beside of mom. I like to have a snack and a drink before going to bed each night.
What’s your relationship status with other animals? BFFs, frenemies, or “it’s complicated”?
I think my little brother is my puppy. I love to wash him and take care of him.
Do you have any party tricks that wow the crowd?
no, other than looking beautiful.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
Being invisible so I can go everywhere my mom goes.
What’s the best thing about being your human’s sidekick?
Just being with my mom, I love her so much. She saved me twice. Once when I was taken from my first owner and again when I was sick.
Anything else you want to bark, meow, chirp, neigh, or squeak to the readers? (This is your moment!)
I am the sweetest dog ever. I would not hurt even a flee.
