At The Blum Firm, we spend a lot of time talking about family, legacy, and the people who matter most. But this month, we want to recognize another important part of many families—our pets.
Pets have a special way of teaching us what matters most. They remind us to slow down, stay present, offer unconditional love, and appreciate life’s simple joys. They greet us with enthusiasm, stay loyal through every season, and somehow always know when we need comfort.
For many of us, pets are more than companions. Our pets are family. They are part of our daily routines, our celebrations, and even our hardest days. They leave paw prints on our hearts and become part of the stories we tell for years to come.
And just like any other member of the family, our pets deserve to be part of our planning. Making sure your pets are cared for is an important part of estate planning. If you want to learn more, check out my recent blog post, When Writing Your Will, Don’t Forget About Your Pets.
In honor of National Pet Month, we are celebrating the pets of The Blum Firm—the office greeters, the home office assistants, the walking companions, and the beloved family members who make life better.
Today, we are sharing a few of the furry faces that bring joy to our team every day.
Because creating legacy is not just about what we leave behind. It is also about the love we experience along the way.
Introducing Penny!
Amanda Coulter, Legal Assistant, says her dog Penny loves going on walks and playing with her toys. She is always excited when her BarkBox arrives in the mail—it might just be her favorite thing! The one thing Penny does not enjoy? Bath time.
Say Hello to Sadie!
Amanda Holliday, Managing Partner, has Sadie, a six-year-old Cavapoo (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy Poodle mix) with a loving personality. She is a true snuggler and gets most excited when she sees someone grab a blanket and sit down on the couch. Her second favorite activity is chasing squirrels in the backyard, although if she gets too close, she slows down to give them a chance to escape. As her family likes to say, she is a lover, not a fighter. Sadie’s best skill is using her very expressive eyes to beg for people food, and she is quite successful at it.
Here's Tolkien & Eliza!
Amanda Jones, Human Resources Specialist, has two cats with very big personalities. Tolkien, her black cat, is everything a black cat should be—sweet, loving, loyal, too intelligent for his own good, and just a little bit nuts. Eliza, her calico cat, is a true princess who adores her humans. She talks a little too much… and if she’s having a bad day, so is everyone else.
Meet Max!
Amber Posey, Office Services Coordinator, has Maxwell “Max” Mochi Posey, a shelter kitty who is around a year and a half old with the spirit of a pterodactyl. While Max loves to terrorize his domain, he is also always up for a good cuddle when the mood strikes.
This is George!
Annie Counts, Senior Associate Attorney, says her dog George is a standard “parti” poodle because his coat is multicolored—but he is also quite a party! He is high energy and super cuddly, but most importantly, playing fetch is his number one hobby. For George, ball is life.
Hello Riley!
Ashlee Wiley, Senior Legal Assistant, has Riley, a sweet girl who loves being around people and soaking up all the love and attention she can get.
Spotlight on Sundance!
Becky Samons, Paralegal Manager, has Sundance, also known as Sunnie Mae, a pup full of personality and energy. She loves cuddles, stuffed animals, and zooming around like an energizer bunny. And if there is a laundry basket nearby, you can bet she is ready to terrorize it.
Meet George!
Beth Hampton, Senior Associate Attorney, has George, who was born in Scotland and loves the cold weather. He spends his days working at a vet clinic, where he serves as the official greeter and assistant to the receptionist.
Hello Harry & Tonks!
Cat Bardin, Executive Assistant and Firm Administrator, has Harry and Tonks, two Corgi rescues with big personalities. They are sweet, adorable, and way too smart, and are currently still in their “velociraptor stage.” Harry loves to squeak his toys nonstop, especially during work calls, while Tonks prefers to eat nonstop, earning her the loving nickname “Chonks” from the vet team. Together, they believe every human and dog they meet should stop and play with them.
This is Lulu & Beltre!
Cindi Adler, Litigation Paralegal, has Lulu and Beltre, her sweet miniature Dachshunds. They may not have any special talents, but they are the very best cuddle buddies and are always close by for extra love and companionship.
Double the Fun: Finch & Franklin!
David Bakutis, Partner, has Finch and Franklin, two certified therapy dogs who truly show the power of a simple visit by bringing comfort, connection, and joy wherever they go. From assisted living communities and hospitals to the Federal Medical Center, Bureau of Prisons, and college campuses, their gentle presence has a way of brightening even the toughest days. Franklin also shares his special love of reading through his Reading Club at Worth Heights Elementary School, helping young readers build confidence one story at a time. When they are not “on the job,” Finch and Franklin live for treats, long walks, and chasing squirrels, but most of all, they are expert smile makers who remind us just how powerful a little love, and a wagging tail, can be. They even included a very official-looking “Form W-K9 Individual Pet Tax Return,” a hilarious reminder that every pet owner should be paying their taxes in belly rubs, treats, and plenty of love.
Meet Nadia & Rosey!
Desiree Woods, Accounting Manager for the Blum Family Office, has two dogs Nadia and Rosey and they could not be more different. Nadia is completely ball crazy—if someone would throw the ball for her all day and all night, she would happily run and fetch it every single time… unless she decides it is more fun to play keep-away instead. Rosey, on the other hand, prefers a much slower pace. In fact, she is lazy. So lazy.
Say Hello to Hamish!
Dyann McCully, Partner in Charge of Litigation, has Hamish, a six-month-old kitty who is such a sweetie. He is playful, loves to snuggle, and brings plenty of joy and energy wherever he goes.
Goodness Gracie!
Emily Hammond, Paralegal, has Gracie “Shadow” Hammond, a sweet and gentle two-year-old dog with a cautious curiosity about the world around her. When she is not chasing a ball around the backyard, she loves curling up by Emily’s side and makes the perfect work-from-home companion. Emily’s husband nicknamed her “Shadow” because she follows Emily everywhere and has a talent for quietly stealing shoes whenever no one is looking.
Spotlight on Bonnie & Pattie!
Emily Sewright, Partner, has two pets with plenty of personality. Bonnie Barker fills every room with her big personality and keeps Emily on her toes with her intelligence, love of food, and refusal to embrace boredom. Her dramatic personality is matched only by her love of snuggles and her kind-hearted nature toward everyone she meets. Pattie may have a few cat-like qualities, like walking across the keyboard, sleeping on a warm pile of clean clothes, and choosing a pillow over the hard floor, but she also has a loving and adventurous side. She loves being picked up and held and often demands to be let outside to enjoy the fresh air. While she and Bonnie are not exactly best friends, they seem grateful for each other’s companionship and always greet one another kindly after one returns from the dreaded trip to the vet.
Meet the Crew: Winnie, Mila, Chumlee & Juno!
Ginger Melton, Accounting and Administrative Assistant, has a full house of lovable personalities. Winnie is a silly blonde who loves to play and gets the zoomies, then brings Ginger plenty of joy and snuggles once she is worn out. Mila, a German Shepherd, has the sweetest soul, while Chumlee, also a shepherd, is always right by Ginger’s side, never straying far from her shadow. Rounding out the crew is Juno, their cat, who loves soaking up the sun and exploring her surroundings.
Here's Gambit!
Hannah Dudley, Paralegal, has Gambit, a very handsome one-year-old pup with plenty of personality. As a husky, he loves to sing, loves hiding his bones, and takes his job as the family alarm clock very seriously by making sure breakfast happens at 7:00 a.m. sharp. He also loves snuggling with all of his girlfriends—especially Mom’s friends!
The Trio: Scout, Sonata & Dusty!
John Hunter, Managing Partner, has quite the crew of pets, each with their own personality. Sonata, a black standard poodle, truly lives up to his name and loves music. The moment someone starts playing the piano, he runs to sit underneath it. Even as an 11-year-old senior gentleman, he forgets to act his age by chasing cats, barking at the mailman, playing fetch for hours, and showing off his impressive winter sweater collection. Scout may strike a dignified pose, but he is really quite the goof. He sings along while John’s daughter, Courtney, practices, sneaks chicken off the kitchen counter, and lives for a good nap. Like Ferdinand the Bull, he is happiest quietly relaxing in the backyard, watching squirrels and birds. His favorite holiday is Christmas because he gets to nap by the tree and sniff candy canes. Dusty, the cat, lives with John’s daughter, Courtney, in both Fort Worth and Waco at Baylor. A rescuer found Dusty at a cement plant, which is how he got his name. A true social butterfly, Dusty has never met a stranger and proudly serves as the Memorial Hall mascot at Baylor. Having been raised with standard poodles, he learned to play fetch and will happily chase his ball for hours. He loves the camera and is known for crashing virtual classes, meetings, and lessons. His favorite holiday is his birthday, because he gets to wear a fun hat and enjoy salmon.
Hello Athena!
Julie Cruz, Legal Assistant, has Athena, her pet snake. She may not be the typical furry friend, but she is a fascinating companion who is a special part of Julie’s family.
Meet Marlo, Merry & Mason!
Kaitlin Goddard, Associate Attorney, has three cats, each with a personality all their own. Marlo Hampton Goddard, her brown and black long-haired tabby, came to the family as a stray five years ago after showing up on their porch one winter day crying for help. After making her a warm little box outside, it only took a few days for Kaitlin to fall in love and welcome her into the family. Marlo is a sweet, chatty cat who loves to wander around meowing and, while she can be a little sassy with the other cats, she is loved just the same. Meredith Noel Goddard, a black short-haired cat they call Merry, is extra special because Kevin proposed to Kaitlin with her on her birthday in front of their Christmas tree, which inspired the name “Merry Noel.” She is the sweetest of the three cats and loves to curl up on your chest or perch on your shoulder. Merry is a true snuggler with the calmest, most gentle demeanor. Mason Gray Goddard, their gray and white long-haired cat, loves lounging in the sunrays from the skylights and has the cutest squeaky meow. She spends her time bird-watching out the window and occasionally tearing down the hallway with the zoomies. She also insists on sleeping right next to them in bed at night, never one to shy away from a cuddle—on her terms, of course.
Introducing Penelope & Emmett!
Katie Heck, Marketing Specialist, says to say she is in love with her miniature dachshunds is an understatement. Penelope, the brownish-red one, and Emmett, the black and white piebald, are siblings from different litters and are absolutely best friends. Penelope is sweet and a bit of a diva who loves all the attention and can destroy a toy in about five minutes. Emmett is goofy, loves being silly, and never turns down treats. Together, they have brought so much happiness and have truly been good for both Katie and her husband’s souls, staying by their side through both the good times and the hard ones.
Here's Bach!
Lynn Kelly, Partner, went to an adoption agency and instantly felt a connection when she met Bach. With her deep love for music, it felt like fate that his name was already Bach. She knew right away she had found her baby.
Meet Peppa & GiGi!
Macey Sams, Legal Assistant, has Peppa and GiGi, two pets full of personality. Peppa is a level 10 Velcro fur baby who is mostly sweet but can also be a bit of a sour patch kid. She enjoys acting like she cannot hear commands, sighing dramatically when told no, and chewing anything she can get her paws on. Named after Peppa Pig, she certainly lives up to the name with her playful spirit. GiGi is the softest and sweetest ragdoll kitten who loves to play and sneak up to pounce on her sister. At night, she curls up on Macey’s shoulder, resting her little nose against her neck or cheek. Macey suspects GiGi may also “accidentally” help her sister find new things to chew by knocking them onto the floor.
Spotlight on Sandy!
Matias Carlos, Legal Assistant, has Sandy, a kind, sweet, and playful dog who has a way of lighting up everyone’s day. Her happy personality and loving nature make her a wonderful companion.
Hello Louie!
Melissa Preiser, Litigation Paralegal, recently adopted Louie, a sweet dog who thrives on his routine. He especially loves following Melissa’s husband around and being right in the middle of whatever is going on, making himself a constant and lovable companion.
All About Tex!
Paige Sample, Executive Assistant, has Tex, a 13-year-old mini beagle with a big personality. He loves to sunbathe, howl, and sleep, and he is especially talented at smelling, ignoring commands, and being a little naughty. His favorite foods include non-fat Greek yogurt, dried pasta, and tortilla chips. Tex may be 13, but he is convinced he is only two and still loves to run around and play, which has led to more than a few injuries that mom and dad not-so-happily pay for. He even knows how to play hide-and-seek, although he tends to panic quickly if he cannot find his person after only a brief search. Tex loves people, believes everyone he meets is his best friend, and he will make sure you know it—loudly.
Meet Mabel!
Rachel Saltsman, Partner, has Mabel, a rescue dog from South Texas who is full of energy and love. Mabel brings plenty of personality wherever she goes and is a much-loved part of the family.
Say Hello to Whiskey, Nash & Oliver!
Shelby Jarman, Legal Assistant, has Whiskey, Nash, and Oliver. Her playful little cats are tiny bundles of joy who love people, attention, and will do just about anything for a tasty treat. Her sweet older dog is the heart of it all—gentle, loving, and happiest when soaking up all the affection.
This is Olaf & Ranger!
Son Nguyen, Senior Associate Attorney, has Olaf, also known as Ollie, and Ranger. Olaf is the skinny one, while Ranger is the chunkier of the two, and together they make an adorable pair of puppers.
Meet Enzo!
Tara Pedian, Senior Associate Attorney, has Enzo, a dog who loves cuddles and anything soft. When he is not outside soaking up the sunshine, you can usually find him tucked under a blanket or happily nibbling on his favorite toys.
Marvin E. Blum