Pat Cason and Neeco have an understanding.

Neeco doesn’t bother Pat’s collection of Boyds Bears®. And Pat always brings a new toy for Neeco whenever she brings home a new bear. It’s worked like this for years with nary a cross word.

You see, Neeco understands which toys are his to play with and which ones aren’t. Pat explains it each time she brings a new bear home — and Neeco understands.

Every time.

Pat and her terrier mix Neeco enjoy a level of understanding that would be the envy of many married couples. Upon awakening each morning, Neeco requests Pat’s undivided attention, and Pat abides.

They spend a few minutes on the couch with lots of hugs and kisses from Pat. Then Neeco is ready to face the day, and Pat can go have coffee.

Neeco was three-years-old when Pat brought him home. She saw several dogs at the shelter that day a decade ago, but when her eyes met Neeco’s, she knew he was the one. What she didn’t know was that Neeco had been mistreated by his previous family and had a little problem with aggression.

Pat credits Sherry Day and the staff at the Pet Palace in LaFayette (where he has been a regular for 10 years) with socializing him and teaching him to trust humans. When Pat and her husband, Cliff, go to their favorite restaurant, Neeco goes. In hot weather, they leave the car running so Neeco’s wait in the car is in air-conditioned comfort. While the Casons are dining, the restaurant manager delivers treats to an eager and trusting Neeco.

Pat says she’s learned a lot from Neeco: “He’s taught me patience, love and, of course, understanding.”

Ann Malone is a pet photographer and can't remember a time she did not have pets in her life. Today she has three dogs, three cats and one parrot. She can be reached at annmh@live.com.