If Nick Saban has a dog at work, you might expect a menacing pit bull trained to attack anyone posing a threat to the secrets of the Miami Dolphins.
After all, the franchise's intense new coach  who unveiled his entire team to the media and public at minicamp last weekend after five months on the job  has quite the reputation for being guarded and intimidating.
Yet that was hardly a watchdog buzzing around Saban's second-floor office late Saturday morning. It was Lizzie, a tan and white boxer serving as a four-legged welcoming committee.
"She's just like a real person," said Saban, beaming, after his wife, Terry, left him the dog he frequently petted in a 20-minute interview. "I babysit Lizzie between practices. She's easy."
Her presence continues a trend for those who have occupied the office since the legendary Don Shula retired following the 1995 season. Jimmy Johnson would sometimes be seen at work cradling his wife's toy Yorkie, Buttercup. Dave Wannstedt had Cookie, a Lhasa apso.
Lizzie adds temporary color to a setting that screams football focus for Saban, who two years ago won a share of the national title at Louisiana State and never had a losing record in 11 seasons as a college head coach.
