Community Corner

Pet Spotlight: Spike the Adorable Mutt

This terrier mix wiggled his way into Planning Commissioner Lauren Meister's heart and has been part of the community ever since.

Since West Hollywood is considered the pet friendliest city in Southern California, Patch decided to launch a new series that spotlights residents' most adorable companion animals. 

"I think Spike's best quality is his ability to make people laugh," said Lauren Meister. The West Hollywood Planning Commissioner adopted the playful terrier mix at 3 months old from the Bill Foundation after her dog Molly of nearly 13 years passed away.

"I wasn't going to rush into getting another dog, but after two months, I was going crazy," Meister told Patch. "My home was so quiet and lonely without her. An animal can have such an enormous presence, and you don't realize it until he or she is gone."  

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It was a Weho neighbor who recommended the Los Angeles-based grass-roots organization. "I visited their website and saw a dog who looked a lot like Molly," she said. But Meister and the pooch just didn't connect.

When a 3-month-old terrier mix from the South-Central LA pound arrived, Meister went to see the little guy. "And the rest is history," she said. "For the past six years, Spike Meister has been one of the family and an active member of the West Hollywood community." 

Find out what's happening in West Hollywoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Spike happens to be special adviser to the West Hollywood West Residents Association's Pets Are Neighbors Too (aka PANT) committee, whose mission is to provide information to the neighborhood regarding pet safety and good pet etiquette such as using a leash, cleaning up after your dog and pet emergency preparedness. He is also quite the socialite. 

"Spike likes to stroll along Melrose Avenue, especially when folks are sitting outside at  with their four-legged companions," Meister said. "In particular, he enjoys his long walks with his Grandpa Marty. Their outing is not complete unless they've met one of his favorite neighborhood friends, like Charlotte the Goldendoodle, Bernie the Chow Mix, or Sterling the Australian Shepherd."  

"I never thought I could love another dog as much as I loved Molly, but Spike wiggled his way into my heart," Meister said. "He's a total love bug and I adore him."

Your pet can be featured too. Send Weho Patch a great photo of your favorite animal companion and we'll put it in our Pet Spotlight series.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from West Hollywood