A fluffy Labradoodle with a dashing name, a diva streak and a radar for cheese.
Handsome, a 9-year-old Labradoodle in Baxter Village, has another name on his papers. When his breeder posted photos of their "handsome boy," his family assumed Handsome was his given name. Then the official paperwork arrived with the name Dan. By then there was no turning back; Handsome had stuck.
His story with the Bates family began at an anniversary celebration. Ryan and Ryan Bates (yes, Ryan squared) married in Asheville in 2015, went back to the mountain city for their anniversary weekend in 2017 and came home with the newest member of the family.
"We moved to Baxter Village in 2021 and have loved calling it home ever since," Ryan Bates says. "We especially love the strong sense of community throughout Fort Mill, and even more so right here in our neighborhood!"
Diva charm and cheese radar
Like many doodles, Handsome has a sweet diva side. Whenever his two people hug or sit close together, he comes running to wedge himself between them so he doesn't miss any family affection.
His radar for treats is just as impressive. He can hear the crinkle of a cheese stick wrapper being opened for the kids from anywhere in the house, and within seconds he appears to politely line up for his share. Cheese and pup cups are his favorite snacks, and hearing wrappers from long distances is, by the family's count, his superpower.
Nothing compares to Mr. Duck. Bought when Handsome was a puppy and the toy was nearly as big as he was, Mr. Duck is now about the size of Handsome's head. It remains his most cherished companion and has survived nine full years of love.
Every season, every trail
Handsome embraces every season. At the beach he splashes through tidal pools and chases the surf. When snow falls, it triggers instant zoomies that usually end with him lounging in the middle of a drift. On everyday outings, he wanders the Carolina Trail Head near the Catawba River with his family. His favorite trail, according to the family, is anywhere in Baxter Village and beyond.
Around the neighborhood, he greets adults and children alike but saves extra love for his best friend, Frank, whom he loves to host, and his sweetheart, Maggie, whom he looks for along their shared fence line every day.
When dining out, Handsome considers himself a neighborhood connoisseur. His favorite spot is Inizio's, where he recommends the string-light-covered patio in the cool autumn air, followed by a pup cup of gelato.
His dream getaway would be a trip to the zoo. A gentle soul who wants to be best friends with every creature he meets, he would love nothing more than to mingle with the wildlife, even if his humans insist on keeping him at a safe distance.
Know a Baxter Village pet who deserves a feature? Stroll The Village takes nominations from neighbors.
This story appears in the November 2026 issue of Stroll The Village.