When Pet of the Week was just getting started, one of the front-runners to kick us off was Director of External Affairs & Student Recruitment Hillary Hoffman, and her adorable dog Homer. He’s been more than ready for his close-up and is finally taking the spotlight right before we head off for winter break. 

Hillary works at the Home Office, leading the charge in advocacy efforts. This ranges from engaging parents and community members to become advocates for our schools, to partnering with various organizations and activists as we navigate the complicated terrain of public education politics. 

Hillary and her husband got Homer from a Lab Rescue when he was just an itty bitty 8 week old puppy while they were in grad school in North Carolina. 

Graduate school was the perfect time to have a puppy, but also spoiled young Homer as he was never home alone for too long and he almost always had many people around. But his time in grad school prepared him to break out into the world as a well-socialized pup! 

Take me to the mountains!

Homer turned 4 this past November, and just like every year, he celebrated with a very special birthday treat- a Wendy’s Junior Bacon Cheeseburger. 

“I wish to be Pet of the Week!”

When Homer is not celebrating his birthday, he’s enjoying crowd favorites like peanut butter, steak and bacon. 

Like most Colorado dogs, Homer is quite active, both outside and inside. While he’s been a big tug-o-war enthusiast for years and is extremely strong and stubborn, his new favorite game is hide and seek. He’ll wait a minute or so while Hillary or her husband hides upstairs, then sprints up and looks all over until they jump out at him. The thrill of the surprise gets him every time. 

This past Halloween, Homer channeled his stoic side and dressed up as the Pope. 

“Peace be with you.”

Homer’s most famous trick is the gopher, where he sits on his behind, front paws dangling, much like a prairie dog or gopher.

Homer likes to work this trick at the neighborhood wine store, where they give him treats after he shows off his special skills. 

He’s looking forward to Winter Break for some quality time with Hillary and of course, some special holiday snacks! 

Sorry Santa, I ate your cookies!

Do you have a pet that everyone needs to know about? Send us pictures at mac@scienceandtech.org!