MJ Johnson has almost always had a dog—usually a big one. A few years ago, she was between pups and unsure if she should welcome another at her age, then in her early 70s. Maybe it was time for a smaller dog? She visited the Oregon Dog Rescue in search of a just-right companion. That’s where she met Honey, a year-old tan-and-white chihuahua mix who needed a home.
Now four, Honey is “absolutely the most extroverted dog I’ve ever owned, and I’m 76 so I’ve had a few,” said Johnson, who has lived in Sunnyside since 1995, and who grew up in the Richmond neighborhood.
Honey loves her walks with Johnson, who finds that her dog’s fame has spread far and wide in the neighborhood. “People will say: ‘Is that Honey?’ and I won’t have a clue who these people are,” she said.
At 18 pounds of snuggable sweetness, Honey delights in jumping in visitors’ laps for a cuddle. Everyone on Johnson’s street knows Honey, who pokes her head through the lattice fence to greet both people and dogs walking by. “She has a huge fan club,” Johnson said. Honey even has a special squeal for delivery drivers, who she knows come bearing treats. (UPS driver Stefan is her favorite.)
“She is an absolute joy,” Johnson said. “A little barky when you’re across the street but nobody’s perfect.”
If you’d like to nominate a neighborhood pet for a future Sunnyside Tail feature, email [email protected].