For Ashley, Dave and 8-year-old Brady Pitt, their beloved Maltipoo Rudy, better known as "Roo," is much more than a pet. He's a cherished member of the family.
The Pitts welcomed Rudy into their lives 11 years ago after finding him through another family in Fremont, California. At just 12 weeks old, the tiny pup quickly proved he was the perfect fit for their busy lifestyle. "At the time, Dave and I were living in a small townhome in the East Bay of San Francisco before having kids," Ashley says. "We knew we wanted a little dog, and the second we met Rudy, we knew he'd be perfect for us."
Named after the beloved Notre Dame-inspired movie Rudy, a nod to Dave's South Bend, Indiana roots, Roo has spent the past decade traveling the country with his family. From California and Florida to Ohio and beyond, he has logged plenty of frequent-flyer miles for a little dog.
At home, Roo is happiest wherever his people are. Ashley describes him as a "Velcro pet" who faithfully follows family members from room to room. One of his favorite spots is perched on the back of the couch, where he can keep an eye on all the activity downstairs. When the family is away, he can often be found waiting patiently on the laundry room floor near the garage door, ready to greet them the moment they return.
Roo's toy basket is another source of joy. His favorite treasures include a stuffed donut and a stuffed squirrel, and Ashley says the first thing he does after returning home is run over to make sure all his toys are still there.
Like many dogs, Roo loves treats but he has a particular weakness for bananas. During breakfast, he can often be found standing patiently on his hind legs, waiting for someone to share a small piece from their plate.
He also believes he deserves a seat at the table. "Rudy likes to jump into a chair and put his paws on the table while we're eating," Ashley says. "We feel like he's part of the family, so he always has a seat at our table."
Roo is equally enthusiastic about car rides. Mention those two magic words and he comes running at full speed. He frequently accompanies the family on school drop-offs and pickups at Ballantyne Elementary and never misses an opportunity to ride along.
Over the years, Roo has brought countless laughs, cuddles and companionship to the Pitt family. "Dog people will understand that we treat Rudy like a real member of our family," Ashley says. "He makes us laugh every single day with his silly antics, and we're always snuggling with him."
If you spot the Pitts enjoying a family walk or visiting Brick Church Park, be sure to say hello. And if you see Ashley carrying Roo, don't worry, he's probably just decided he's walked far enough and would prefer a ride home.
To recommend a pet to be featured, please email Delia at ballantyne@strollmag.com.
This story appears in the July 2026 issue of Stroll Ballantyne Country Club. Read the full edition here.