Top 9 Spartan Shield dogs

Leila Assadi, Opinion editor • November 18, 2022

“Man’s best friend” is a common phrase that describes humans’ relationship with domestic dogs. The two have a over a thousand year history of loyalty, friendship and companionship. In the Spartan Shield newsroom, nearly every writer has a furry companion. Featured below are the top nine Spartan Shield dogs.

1. Dutch

Sam Brown’s family dog, Dutch, is an energetic 4-year-old golden retriever. Dutch unfortunately had to have surgery after eating rocks, which he still continues to do today. He also likes to swim.

2. Apollo

Apollo is Emma Vaaler’s family dog. He is a Havanese who was the runt of the litter and is now three-years-old. When he was little, Apollo had to go to doggy boot camp because he had anger issues. He now tends to make bird noises when he wants something.

3. Murphy

Murphy is Maureen Dyer’s family dog. He is a three-year-old Frenchton. Dyer is a firm believer that her dog is cuter than Sam’s dog. Murphy eats all the mail packages and has never met a food he doesn’t like. He will eat everything.

4. Kylo

Kylo is Jake Wilsted’s family dog. He is two-years-old and a great Pyrenees. Kylo is very protective, but still a sweet dog. These are fitting characteristics, as the breed is known as “gentle giants”. Kylo is also best friends with the mailman.

5. Ollie

Ollie is Oskar Barudin’s dog. He is a yellow lab who is 2-years-old. Ollie likes to swim, but has a weird habit of sucking blankets.

6. Luna

Lydia Sommer’s family dog, Luna, is a 3-year-old German/Australian shepherd mix. She has bright blue eyes and goes on runs with Lydia. Luna loves bubbles and chasing the family cat. A few years ago, Luna ate four Christmas ornaments.

7. Stella

Maura Peter’s second family dog, Stella, is a rescue dog and still a puppy. She is 8-months-old and a golden doodle. Stella also has a tendency to eat the wood trim from the house and likes to take peoples’ shoes and hide them.

8. Daisy

Daisy is Leila Assadi’s family dog. She is a female, 2-year-old corgi. Unfortunately, Daisy has epilepsy, but that does not stop her from chasing cars and getting the zoomies every day.

9. Rex

Daniel Zietlow’s family dog, Rex, is named after the Star Wars character with the same name. He is a 2-year-old golden retriever who is very big for his breed. Daniel’s family cats hate Rex and there are numerous occasions of Rex accidentally eating chocolate.

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About the Contributors

Leila Assadi, Lead Editor

Leila Assadi is a senior at Pleasant Valley High School and serves as the Lead Editor for the Spartan Shield. Throughout her four years of high school, Leila has participated in numerous extracurricular and academic activities, including National Honors Society, All-Academic sports teams, and a rigorous class schedule. Her favorite classes include AP Language and Composition, Humanities, and AP Spanish. Outside of the classroom, Leila immerses herself in school activities. She is an executive member of Spartan Assembly, a member of Ethics Bowl who competed at the national level at UNC in 2022, President of A Positive Place, Co-President of Environmental Club, Vice President of Students for Political Action and a member of Girls Learn International. Along with her clubs, Leila is a varsity soccer player, varsity bowler, and four year choir member. Hanging out with friends, listening to music, attending concerts, and thrifting occupy Leila’s free time. Leila enjoys writing and looks forward to working on the Spartan Shield this year.

Sam Brown, Copy Editor

Sam is currently a senior at Pleasant Valley High School and serves as a copy editor for the Spartan Shield. Aside from journalism, Sam’s favorite classes are Spanish, Physics, and Economics. Outside of school Sam volunteers his time coaching young baseball and basketball teams for a non-profit organization called the One-Eighty Zone. Sam is also a member of Teens for Tomorrow, which is a youth philanthropy group in the QCA. Aside from volunteering Sam also uses his time working, during highschool he has worked for Valley Landscaping, Code Ninjas, and Duck Creek Tire and Service. Sam uses any extra free time to get outdoors. He enjoys skiing, backpacking, and mountain biking or trail running with his dog. He aspires to help people get outdoors and protect the environment. Sam is excited to work for the shield this year and to contribute his ideas to the paper!