Beth Schmitz, 82, a retired substitute teacher who also worked at K-Mart and in real estate and the mother of five children, talks about her best friend Digger, a 9-year-old rat terrier.

About four years ago after Schmitz lost her Jack Russell terrier, she decided to take some blankets to the Green County Humane Society to donate. Every time she would walk by Digger, the dog would jump up and bark, so Schmitz decided to bring her home.

Schmitz said she isn't fond of the name Digger and mostly calls her Babe. "I have other names I call her, but they can't go in the newspaper," Schmitz said with a laugh.



- Marissa Weiher



Describe Digger's personality.

She loves people, not other dogs particularly, just people. She's active, loving and personable. She's just kind of a little kid wrapped up in a fur package. She doesn't have any toys or anything (as she gestures toward a laundry basket overflowing with dog toys).



What do you like to do together?

She likes her walks and to play with her toys. She likes to play tug-of-war a lot. Pretty much just that. She sits in the window all the time and watches her kingdom. Any dog or anyone that walks by, they get barked at. She's a good guard dog. Carrots are her favorite treat.



What has it been like having Digger in your life?

I've always had a dog since I was a baby. I think there might have been four years in my life where I didn't have a dog. I just like having a dog.