Banks, a yellow Labrador, and Chinook, a Shepard, are two good SE boys who have military-related names, which is apt because Mom Kimberly and Dad Brenden are currently active duty in the US Army.

Banks, now 11, was named after Colonel Aaron Bank, who founded the US Army Special Forces, or Green Berets. Banks was a runt when Kimberly got him as a puppy, but he’s grown up to be a big dog who looks sharp in green just like his mom and dad. Chinook, now 7, was adopted from a California no-kill shelter five years ago, and came with his name. Kimberly and Brendan thought the name of a cool black Army helicopter with two big rotors was just right for their cool black dog with two big ears, so they kept it.

Bikes or thunderstorms make Chinook nervous. But big brother Banks, who is very passive and mellow, just reminds him about all their fun swimming and squirrel-chasing adventures, and all becomes right in his world.