07/28/2025
🐾Precious Pets: Meet Nalu
A rescue dog from New Mexico living the good life in Hilltop!
Hi – I’m Nalu, a rescue dog from New Mexico although my name is Hawaiian and means “swim with the waves not against them”. My Mom lived in Hawaii for years and hoped naming me this would manifest my personality to be a very chill pup, however the opposite is true; I’m very attached to my mom and human sister and when I’m separated from them, I get super nervous.
My Mom ordered a DNA test to try to determine what kind of canine I am; the results came back as “mutt” (my Mom does not suggest ordering DNA tests from Amazon). I have one blue eye and one brown eye, a condition called Heterochromia. Walking around Hilltop, I get all kinds of attention for my long legs and mohawk hair. I love to run, hike, and snuggle. I prefer to sleep in bed with my mom or sister, under the covers with my head on the pillow. My Mom gets up super early, which I find rude, so I stay in bed until I’m ready for my morning jaunt around the yard.
Recently, my Mom and sister took a training class to get me certified as a service dog. My Mom has PTSD, and when she flies, she can get really nervous when it gets bumpy. This also means I don’t have to go in a pet carrier under the seat, and now can travel in a papoose around my Mom’s neck. We travel to Florida this summer and I can't wait to put all my training to use, and ride in style.
I can’t believe a little puppy from a run-down New Mexican farm made it all the way to Hilltop to live with such amazing humans who love me so much. And me, a service dog? Who would have thought? I’m so glad I didn’t assume the start of my life would predict how it would end up. Some smart human said, “Keep looking forward, the best is yet to come”. I often reflect on this idea, as one does, and smile, wondering what other amazing adventures await.
📣If you would like to feature your precious pet (dog, cat, rabbit hamster, etc.) Go to linktr.ee/strollhilltop or email us at [email protected].
🖊By Hilltop Resident Sarah Zeren