Lucy Takes a Nap While Basking in the Glow of the Sun
Here is my rescue dog, Lucy, taking a nap while basking in the glow of the sun – Bill and Nancy Macksam

This is my rescue kitten, Mischief, who is now 19 years old and is still living up to her name. Yesterday, I found her in the kitchen sink, where she was devouring a drumstick that she had torn off a baked chicken I had left on the counter. We both enjoy your column in the St. Louis, Missouri Post Dispatch. – Barbara Witte
We saw "Iris" on a Cat adoption website. We went to check her out, and another cat named Finona adopted my husband. She climbed onto his lap and lay belly up for the remainder of the visit. We left that day with both of them. We call them Portia and Payton. They are 11 years old now! I read your column daily & love it! – Veronica in Idaho
My protector, YoYo, and his best friend.... sometimes. YoYo took care of me. When I would leave the house, he would sit in the living room by my dad and whine until I came home. He was one week shy of ten years old when he went to the doggy rainbow bridge. One thing he wouldn't do is ride in the car with me. I would drive less than a half mile, and he would throw up. No warning, start gagging, and it was out. – Teresa Bartlett
Top, Ariel (English Bulldog), 14 months, to the right, Tinkerbell (English Bulldog), almost 8, Nala (Frenchie), 5, Elsa (Frenchie), nearly 1 year. What is the best homemade solution to clean dog urine from pillows and bedding? The little ones are almost potty-trained, but sometimes they have accidents.
Hi Heloise:
My name is Lucee, and I'm 18 years young! My face may be white, I don't have many teeth, my eyesight may be failing, and my hearing has diminished. However, open the refrigerator or a bag of chips, and I'm next to you! I love giving kisses and being a part of your conversations. If I'm omitted, I will bark and poke you with my nose.
Hope you see how cute I am and publish my picture.
Wags and kisses,
Lucee Bell
Dear Heloise, I love your column and have used many of your tips over the years. I've attached a photo of my 8-year-old Golden Retriever, Rocky.
He is on high alert here in our backyard in New Hampshire, looking for squirrels to chase! They always outrun him, but he never stops trying!
Thank you for all you do! Best regards, Leni Hodgins
Hello, this is my best friend Beckham. I was looking for a furry companion. I spent two days at multiple locations. Then I met Beckham. His owner passed away, and the family didn’t want to keep him. They took him to the kennel. He was six years old, everyone wanted a puppy or young dog, so he was there for six months, and no one wanted him. He’d lost substantial weight because he quit eating. He had lost significant weight and was on antidepressants. I took him home. He needed several surgeries to repair torn ACLs. He’s been with me now for almost three years. It took him months to start to understand that someone loved him. Today, he is one happy guy who loves his new home. Here he is with his close friend Gregory. – Ed Suszkowski
Meet Wally. He's a big cat, but he's not usually vocal. He was caught mid-meow in the picture.
He belonged to my boss, mentor, and very close friend, who passed away from cancer. He had another lady who took care of him before she passed away, then my friend's daughter asked me to take him and his sister in.
His sister went over the Rainbow Bridge about a year later, so he's been through a lot of change.
He loves to eat and enjoys treats each morning and evening. He never lets me forget! I fondly remember my friend as I cared for him and gave him lots of love.
Rescued morkie Sissy Mae was just eight months old, when she had already been cast aside. Born with a severe underbite and one ear that wouldn’t stand up, she was deemed "useless" by a breeder. Neglected and frail, she arrived at a shelter nearly lifeless. But her story didn’t end there. Sheryl M. Donnell and her family saw past her imperfections and gave her a second chance. And little did they know—Sissy wasn’t just being rescued. She would soon become the one who rescues as a support dog.
Healing took time. Sissy was scared, hesitant, and unsure of her new world. Thankfully, another rescue dog who had experienced a similar journey helped her learn to trust again. She gained weight, found comfort in her new family, and blossomed into a healthy 7-pound bundle of fluff.
Sheryl and her family thought they had saved Sissy, but Sissy had other plans. When Sheryl developed unstable blood pressure, everything changed. One night, she collapsed unexpectedly. Sissy sprang into action—barking, clawing, refusing to let her fall into unconsciousness. It wasn’t a one-time occurrence. Each time Sheryl’s blood pressure dropped, Sissy alerted her, refusing to be ignored. Even when Sheryl yelled at her to stop, Sissy persisted until her owner realized she needed medical help.
Now, Sissy is an official support dog and even accompanies Sheryl on flights. Proof that sometimes, the ones we save save us in return.
We love sharing heartwarming pet stories! Do you have a special pet with an incredible story? Please send us your photos and stories so we can have a chance to be featured!
Hidden cat Keely, unlike cats who prefer cardboard boxes or windowsills, has a taste for the refined. Her owner, Roseanne A. from New Jersey, shares that Keely has always been drawn to elegant surroundings. "I always find her in the most regal places," Roseanne says. "But this time, she outdid herself."
One evening, as Roseanne looked for Keely, she realized that her feline companion had disappeared—again. After searching under chairs, behind curtains, and even in a laundry basket, she finally spotted two piercing green eyes staring inside a secret bookcase compartment.
Keely’s love for literature isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s part of feline nature. Experts say that enclosed spaces provide cats security, warmth, and privacy. Here’s why they love hiding:
For more insights on feline behavior, check out these expert sources:
If Keely’s secret retreat has fascinated you, check out more clever cats and their quirky hideaways:
With her tuxedo coat, refined taste, and love for classic literature, Keely is no ordinary cat. Whether curling up in her secret bookcase retreat or observing her kingdom from the shadows, she has mastered living elegantly.
Would your pet make a great Pet of the Week? Please send us your photos and stories so we can have a chance to be featured!
Can You Find Pepper? Every cat owner knows the feeling—one moment, your feline lounges on the couch, and the next, they’ve suddenly vanished. Without a doubt, cats are natural hide-and-seek masters. However, amazing Pepper, a clever black cat, takes this skill to a new level.
This week’s Pet of the Week features Pepper, the stealthy feline belonging to Sue W. Thompson. Time and time again, Pepper has a habit of disappearing into unexpected places, leaving her human constantly wondering, “Where did she go this time?”
One day, out of nowhere, Sue noticed the unusual silence in her home. No rustling. No playful pouncing. Most importantly, there was no Pepper in sight. At that moment, the search began. Could she be under the couch? Perhaps behind the curtains? Or maybe inside the laundry basket?
But then, something caught Sue’s eye—just a tiny flicker of movement. There, perched way up high in the kitchen, Pepper had tucked herself into a woven basket on top of the cabinets, ultimately blending into the surroundings.
Surprisingly, this wasn’t the first time Pepper had left Sue searching in circles. As expected, Pepper, a cat with an impeccable sense of stealth, enjoys choosing the most unexpected hiding places.
Without a doubt, Sue is sure that Pepper delights in making her search—after all, what’s the fun of a game if it’s too easy? The next time you can’t find your cat, don’t panic. Instead, look up—they might be hiding above you, quietly observing and patiently waiting for you to notice them, just like Pepper.
Similarly, Pepper is not alone in her love of hiding. Other cats, like Zara, the hypnotic calico queen, have their ways of ruling their domains. But Pepper prefers to be the silent observer, keeping an eye on things from the shadows—only revealing herself when she’s ready.
Why do cats love to hide? Stealth is in their nature. In the wild, cats use hiding as a survival technique, helping them observe their surroundings safely before moving. Even domesticated cats still have this instinct, which explains why they love finding cozy, enclosed spaces.
If you’re fascinated by feline behavior, PetMD explores the psychology of cat hiding, while Cat Behavior Associates explains why it’s essential for a cat’s well-being.
Sue is sure that Pepper delights in making her search—after all, what’s the fun of a game if it’s too easy? Next time you can’t find your cat, look up—they might be hiding above you, silently watching, just like Pepper.
If you enjoyed Pepper’s stealthy antics, you’ll love these other clever pets:
Jubilant and amazing raccoon family and skunks, possums, and birds visit us daily. Everybody we know has spoken poorly of raccoons for the last 20-25 years. Even our cat turned up one day. A few weeks later, she had five of the cutest kittens. We kept one, and three friends took the others.
Normally, we buy twelve bags of cat kibbles, which last about a month to six weeks, depending on how many visits each night. We sit outside with them in the summertime and have never been bitten or scratched. They take it very gently.
The raccoons love peanut butter cookies, and we keep a good stock of them. Years ago, we had this vast window put in to enjoy our outdoor family. We also built an 8-foot high block wall to level our backyard, then an 8-foot high lattice wall with a 6×2 walkway, which the squirrels and raccoons use. And the birds love our thick hedge. It’s surprising how many people look upon the raccoons as wild animals and talk about shooting them.
These nightly visits have cultivated a unique ecosystem in our backyard and fostered an unexpected bond between humans and wildlife. Over time, the variety and frequency of these visits have increased, indicating mutual trust and understanding developed over countless shared moments. This unique interaction enriches our lives and supports the local wildlife.
Observing these animals up close fosters a greater appreciation and respect for nature and its myriad creatures. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban living and wildlife conservation, urging us to consider the impact of our actions on our non-human neighbors. And ongoing commitment to coexistence and care has turned our backyard into a haven. We love it when raccoons, skunks, possums, and birds visit us daily.

View from a large window overlooking a lush backyard, a sanctuary for local wildlife.


Peeking in for treats, this raccoon makes a friendly visit to a home’s patio door.


A four-bowl feeding station for raccoons, skunks, possums, and birds nestled among lush greenery.

Three raccoons share a meal on an old table, surrounded by greenery.

Essential supplies for feeding backyard wildlife stored neatly.






































Several years ago Archie was found tied to a fence and abandoned. He is now the king of all he surveys living with Sue and Jim Dow on 37 acres in Weare, NH. – Jean McGiffin

This is our Cooper, he’s a Cairn Terrier and we adopted him from a shelter after living on the streets with his mother and sister until he was 9 months old. He is super smart and very lovable!

Thomas M. sent in a photo of his rescued cat Aries. She has beautiful eyes and, although her coat is black, there’s a small patch of white on her chest. As the first sign in the zodiac, the presence of Aries always marks the beginning of something energetic and turbulent.

Cathy M. from Long Island, NY sent in a photo of her 13-year-old pug Teddy, taking a gingerly walk outside in the cool weather. Teddy likes to eat vegetables and fish. He also likes to rub his face in the grass.

Gracie M., from Levittown, NY sent in a photo of her newly adopted female cat named Logan. Logan is a Tuxedo cat, so she’s always ready for a formal affair. She also loves to play fetch.



Nancy Powlas, of San Antonio, TX sent in a photo of her two darling cats Jack and Lady Edith as they relax atop the kitchen table.

Dear Readers, this is Lucy, my Boston Terrier. She is 13-years-old and misses her mommy because she’s got a broken hip.

Dear Readers, this is my daughter, Mallory’s, long-haired Chihuahua named Duffy. He keeps me company while she is away at college. — Stephanie, Augusta, Maine

Dear Readers, this is our rescue kitten, Kiffle. He is named after an Eastern European pastry that is both flaky and sweet. As you can see from the photo, he has a flaky side and he is definitely a sweet boy! — Jane Hudak, San Antonio, TX.

Dear Readers, this is Sebastian, a Ragdoll, owned by R. Jaske, Bakersfield, CA.

Dear Readers, this is Atom, our cat, and his brother Ripley, our treeing walker coonhound. — Alan Almanzar

Dear readers, these are my 3 rescues sitting nice — Hobie, Nestor, and Bosco. Happy Fall! — Cheryl from NH

Dear Readers, this is Sadie, a 6-year-old terrier mix, who was adopted from Animal Defense League. She is sweet, friendly, loves any moving thing, even her cat siblings. — Nancy Pawlas

Dear Readers, this is Coco. She is a twelve-year-old Calico that is sweeter than pecan pie. — Gary Philips

This is Dax, a 7-year-old German Shepard, playing with his new pal, 6-month-old Chase, a Belgian Malinois. Both live in Drums, Pa. — Tim Charter, owner.

Dear Readers: This is Spike, my happy 4-year-old rescue. – Judith Thompson

Dear Readers: Lily, sweet 15-year-old grey-and-white purebred Maine Coon, adopted at 6 months from a rescue group, when her family threw her out in the winter because she went into heat. Chloe, a sweet 14-year-old adopted at 9 months after delivering 5 kittens. She spent those first 9 months as a feral cat. Rescued just before delivery of the kittens. Everyone wanted the kittens, but I wanted Chloe. — Janice Williams


This is Pippa, our grand-dog, in the pose she does when she wants a belly rub or special treat. She’s ten-years-old. Our daughter has had her for about nine months, but she is “family” to all of us. She’s a Lhasa Apso. Love your column! – Judy Kaufman

This is Milo, a blue heeler/Aussie shepherd rescue from Oklahoma. This was his “official” photo for a Cutest Pet Contest fundraiser for the local ASPCA. He won first place! We think it was the ears that put him over the top.

Hello, I would love you to put up our newly rescued dog Georgia as your pet of the week! She was rescued from a high kill shelter in Georgia, hence her name! She was super skittish at first but has now really gotten used to her new loving home. – Sincerely, Yvette Zuckerman


This is Tia, we rescued her from an animal shelter in 2019, she was 3 years old and had lived her whole life there! She weighs ten pounds and is the cutest little calico girl. She is such a joy to have with us, follows us around like a little puppy dog. I feel like she knows that she was given a second chance and knows that she now has a Mommy and Pappy that will take good care of her! — Deb Nenninger, Florida


“My wife and I found Maggie May in a cage in Sebring Florida Animal Control. She was picked up running nose in Lake Placid, Florida. She was scared and we had to carry her to the car. She is now very spoiled. Whenever someone comes to visit, she greets them by finding a shoe and bringing it to them as a gift.”

I thought you might enjoy these pictures of the baby squirrels in our Squirrel House.

This is our pride and joy, Benny. He is a 2-year-old miniature long-haired dachshund. His favorite hobbies are riding on the golf cart and chasing squirrels up trees.

This is my fur baby, Theo. His daddy is a Husky, and his momma is a Chocolate Lab. He is eight months old now, and he weighs 65 lbs.

My dearest friend is Ticker, who just had her 17th birthday. We celebrated with a “cake.” She came from a family that didn’t want her anymore.

Here is our kitty, Willoughby. We found him five years ago in an RV park. He had been left behind by a family on vacation. He’s the sweetest boy who is so endearing; in fact, his nickname is “Mr. Love”!

This is our Sadie Mae (named after Sadie Hawkins day), a 7-year-old Bichon Frise whom we love dearly.


Diane K. sent in pics of her little buddy, Charlie, who, after mastering his mountain of toys and putting everyone in their place, is ready for a nap. Such a cutie!


Meet Rocky. He’s Rod G. of San Antonio’s 14-year-old deaf rescued Jack Russell. Rod says he’s a happy little guy, and they have helped each other through some tough times.

Dear Readers: Meet Audie! He is a Belgian Malinois. A type of highly intelligent shepherd, these dogs are used by the military and by the police.


Meet Karen G. from San Antonio, Texas and her almost-five-year-old Bichon Frise, Tucker! Her family has a long-standing tradition of loving Bichons; in fact her father the Colonel brought in the first of their Bichons.


Here’s our new puppy Georgie. She’s a very sweet Shihpoo (Shitzu Poodle).

This is our rescue, Molly, who has been a wonderful addition to our family! She is three years old and has taken a liking to reading in the window with her “friend”, a wonderful ceramic cat statue! – Heloise.

Hello, Heloise. This is our beloved puppy, Sadie, all 100% love wrapped up in a little bundle.

Dear Heloise, he looks like an angel in this photo, but Charlie Brown is a 10-month-old beagle and a whirling dervish.

Meet Brodie. He’s a pug puppy – a crazy Lil dude – according to San Antonio, TX dog mom Jessica and her son Gavin.

Marian H. sent a picture of her neighbor Lexi having a moment with Marian’s dog Winni; looks cute and cozy!

In 2008, Leslie adopted Zoom from Northern California Border Collie Rescue; he was one year old.

Meet Abby the Tabby, perched and ready for bird watching in her cute sweater. A cat in clothes!

Meet Manny and Penny! All dog mom Peggy Z. needs to say is “who wants to go for a ride?” and open the door.

Marlene D. sent a picture of her precious rescued cat, Angel.

Here is a picture of our two Siamese, Hamish who is a chocolate point, and Angus, a seal point enjoying a winter day in the recliner.

Stella (grey tabby) is a rescue and she really loves her big brother (Ricky Bobby).

Meet Ace. He’s a 9-year-old tuxedo cat who has a unique black heart on his tummy and a white “thumbs up” on his nose.

Meet Mr. Kitty. He’s one of our favorite Pet Pals – he’s getting a drink from the bathtub spigot!

Meet Gracie, adopted from Georgia, ready to brave the New England weather, sporting an adorable raincoat.

Meet Angie C.’s Run Away Ruby. Two days after she adopted Ruby, in September of 2020, Ruby escaped from the yard and traveled two miles before being picked up by the police. For this, Ruby landed on Santa’s Naughty List!

My cat, Abby was leaning against the mirror when I looked up and caught this image that looked like two of her! I just happened to have my phone handy to snap this picture.

Gary P. in Laguna Hills, CA sent a picture of his cats Max and Coco, relaxing, on top of each other?

Our dogs Molly (lab mix) and Jon Stewart (terrier mix) are putting 2020 “behind” them.

Dear Readers: Meet Dodge. He is Leigh B.’s (of Ohio) lab mix, and he looks like he’s ready to “get out of Dodge” as it were – the cold and snow of January!

For this week’s Pet Pal, we are revisiting Ke-Ke, Leo and LeEtta’s precocious Siamese cat, in Culbertson, MT. Leo was working at home, as many of us are nowadays, and Ke-Ke just had to jump up on the desk and chase the cursor on the screen – such a silly girl!

Meet LuLu (foreground) and Duncan. Both Rat Terriers, are taking turns receiving treats from the neighbor in the next complex. Very patient playmates!

Meet Pepsi. Pepsi is a spaniel/pointer mix, and her name at the shelter was Hiker; she almost hitchhiked a ride home with another lady, before Tracy, Elise, and Joanna C. and their family adopted her!

Dear Heloise: This is my dog Ollie, a happy and spry pup who turns 11 next month! She also goes by “Smalldog.” I got her in December 2010.

Meet Hazel. Trent B. in San Antonio, TX says his puppy Pug Hazel takes a hard nap after playing hard at 5:30 am! Play hard, and nap hard? Sounds like the life! Is she dreaming about Santa’s visit? And, oh, that Puppy Breath!

My name is Cosmos! I’m a 15-year-old Himalayan in Portland.

Meet Hizzy. Hizzy showed up in our backyard in September, a true “alley cat”, a very hungry kitten. Look closely at his feet, he has seven toes on one foot, and six on the other – polydactyl kitty.

Meet Lexi and Dolli. Owner Sandee says they are such good buddies!


Meet Tiger. John M. sent two pics of this white and tortie-colored cat. So sweet, with big eyes. Tiger’s sitting by a clock reminding us, the time we have with our pets is shorter than we would like.

Dear Heloise: I adopted Chloe Z from Catkins Animal Rescue in Park Falls, Wisconsin, on March 25 and drove 2-1/2 hours to get her.

Kenny is my 3-year-old rescue kitty at 16.2 lbs. and over three feet long. He is half Maine Coon and half Siamese.

Dear Heloise: A pair of Mourning Doves built a nest in a hanging plant on my sister’s deck.

Darla H. in Punta Gorda, FL sent a picture of her cuddle boy, her beautiful brown, long-haired cat, Sneaky Pete.

Hi Heloise! Here is a picture of my 21-year-old tabby named Ninja. He surprises me with his behavior – some days he seems like he’s slowing down and feeling his age but other days seems as spry as a kitten.

Meet Cooper. He’s a King Charles and Shih Tzu blend, and Mom says he’s a true joy: he really does think he’s King! He looks happy sitting on his pillow outside on a crisp fall day.

Nora G. sent a pic of her beautiful and loving Amore. When he was young, he was nicknamed “the apprentice,” because he’d sit next to any workman in the house, and watch, as though he was learning.

Meet Jake. Charlene G., via email, calls him The Perfect Pet – he is a Cavachon – a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise. Completely cute, Jake looks right at home on his comfy bed in the kitchen!



Meet Penelope. She’s a darling Chihuahua who was found as a stray.

Patricia M. sent a picture of her sweet, smiling, seven-pound 13-year-old Chihuahua Oliver, lying on the patio.

Michelle and Dave T. in Omaha, NE sent a picture of their six-month-old Morkie Freddie, celebrating his first Fourth of July. He is friendly and playful, and he LOVES everyone! He even tolerates his rabbit “brother” Mopsy.

This week’s Pet Pals aren’t pets, just a majestic mama deer followed by her curious twins. In this picture captured by Carter and Vincent of Pittsburgh, PA, you can almost hear Mom saying, “Come on, you two … quit dawdling!” as they make their way through the backyard.

Meet Lucky. Frances R. in Mt. Angel, OR took in Lucky as a kitten, as says he is a great mouser. He’s also quite at home in her bathroom sink, as his picture indicates!

If you’re ever feeling down and in need of some encouragement, turn to Tubbs. Jay’s happy puppy Tubbs is a Shih-Tzu, age 3.

With today being DOGust the First, let’s meet a couple of Shelter Dogs, here in the offices of Heloise, Inc. It’s Duncan and Daisy – A sweet Rat Terrier and a sassy fawn Chihuahua.

Dan and Sherrie in San Antonio were feeling a bit lonely, so what did they do? They picked up a furry, funny, and friendly friend.


Meet Noodle and Pox, baby hens!


Dear Heloise, my name is Kori and I am a conure, from the parrot family.

Meet Lulu, a Yorkie puppy. She’s tiny but loved as if she were a giant blue whale.

Meet Molly, Gina F.’s friendly black cat, on the porch next to some pretty summer geraniums.

Meet Mr. Kitty, Becky in San Antonio’s long-haired, orange tabby, having a snooze on the bright white bed in the summer sun.

Meet Jay II, Epping, NH’s Roger and Nancy’s 13-year-old black and white cat who is curious about everything. When they started camping in their RV, they didn’t hesitate to bring him along.

Meet Denise R.’s Patootie, an adorable, smiling Terrier mix. She is ready to play!

Meet Brooklyn; she’s Krystal R’s five-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, looking super cute, at the camera!

Kathy A. sent a picture of her rescued special girl, Gracie, who is a cancer survivor.

Meet Kathleen V.’s Weimaraner, Tilly.

This week, Suzie’s sent in a picture of her beautiful, snow-white multipoo, Charmin. Suzie says Charmin recently lost her main human, PawPaw, and Charmin is grieving.

Meet Mary H’s Zoe, a beautiful brown boxer. Zoe’s veterinarian recommended putting petroleum jelly on her dry, crusty nose. Unfortunately, Zoe licks it off quickly. Giving her a treat immediately after applying it buys a little time for absorption, Mary says.

Meet Annie, an 11-year-old beautiful blue-eyed white cat, belonging to Maria C. in Nebraska.



Dustin M. in San Antonio, TX sent a picture of his gorgeous gray and black cat, Storm. Dustin found Storm hunkered down during a rainstorm (thus the name!), and she’s shown her gratitude every day since.

Debra A. in San Antonio sent a picture of her furry and funny friend, Max. Max is a pure Chihuahua, and he is 3 years old.

Here’s Buddy, hiding in his favorite box on top of the refrigerator. Sandy D. sent in his picture.

Meet Geri C.’s “Mija” (my girl in Spanish). She was running the streets of Santa Ana, CA and had a fractured pelvis and leg. The veterinarian thought she’s about two years old – a busy, active little Parsons Terrier Mix. It took a couple of months to get her settled into a routine. She’s the best dog!



Meet Mickey, Fred G.’s 16-month-old gorgeous German Shepherd, at home in New Braunfels, TX. Mickey is sorry to interrupt Dad’s relaxing on Saturday afternoon, but Fred really needs to throw the ball – come on, Dad!

Meet Gizmo. Gizmo is Rosie M.’s 6-year-old Tibetan Terrier who loves daycare and tolerates taking photos while he’s there!

Meet Lizzy in Alta Loma, CA, Perry, and Donna’s white, curly terrier mix. She is a miracle survivor of thyroid cancer!

If you want to learn how to relax, Teresa A. via email says, Get a cat! Tigger is entertaining and loves giving hugs. He showed up at her house one day, and HE rescued HER.


Michelle R. in San Antonio sent two pics of her beautiful green-eyed, grey cat, Coco, majestically perched on the ladder where she can put the star on top of the Christmas tree!

Meet Molly. George and Judy in Cypress CA have this mixed-breed, cute, white loveable Dog.

Meet Pork Chop and Mr. Primrose. These adorable guys are brothers. Pork Chop (orange cat) and Mr. Primrose are nine-month-old domestic shorthairs and live in Springfield, Ohio with owner Jo B.’s loving family.


Meet Mike H.’s Batman and Robin, who were ready for Christmas, on Santa’s lap. They are both Chihuahua mixes, and both loved 100%. Surely Santa brought them everything they asked for!

Meet Baxter. Baxter is John C.’s Old English Sheepdog and he’s six. He weighs 100 pounds but looks bigger. He loves riding in the truck. He also loves people, other animals and, especially, baths.

Meet Madison. Madison is a frosty-faced, 12-year-old female Golden Retriever. She enjoys hanging out in the backyard, drinking water, with her owner, Bruce A.

Dear Heloise: I am a 4-month-old Irish Jack Russell Terrier, and my name is Madigan. I live in Houston, TX and Mommy (Gaye K.) wanted to share my new picture with you. Sincerely, Maddy.


Meet Goose, Maverick and Cougar. They certainly run a tight ship, for owners Jeff and Dagmar T. in Dayton, OH!


Meet Nancy L.’s Polly, in Simi Valley, CA. Polly’s a five-year-old Ragdoll, and a beautiful, wonderful kitty.


Meet Bleu Boy and Boots. Bleu is a Doll-Face Persian. He is 8 yrs old. Boots is a Maltipoo who is six. These two are the bright spots in owners Doug and Katrina B’s lives.


Meet Royce and Daisy. Dr. Katie S. adopted Royce and Daisy, and they are absolutely hilarious, Grandma Priscilla says.

Meet Colleen C.’s beautiful Rough Collie, her pride and joy, her sweetest boy, Bouchal (pronounced boo-kul). The word is Gaelic and it means “boy” (the word “bucko” is a derivative).

Meet Border Collie Lexi. Jennifer M. and her family in Pittsburgh, PA adopted Lexi this year, and Lexi’s smiling; she’s pretty happy about her new family!

Beth B. in Freeport, PA sent a picture of her Pittie girls sleeping together, Pearl on top of Minnie!

Meet Skyler. She’s a five-year-old Cairn Terrier that Jack and Diane adopted a year and a half ago. She is smart and loves training; they adore her!


Cheryl G. In San Antonio adopted Melania, a four-month-old, five-pound half Piebald and half Chihuahua from a Rescue Group.

Grandma W. Sent a picture of Soupy, short for Marsupial. She’d raised him from a baby after the veterinarian advised Soupy couldn’t survive on his own.

Meet Cooper, Karen’s Maltese, fresh from the groomer. He looks quite handsome with his new tie. Five months old, and he RULES the house. That’s the way it is for the “only child” pet in her family!

Kathleen B. in North Port, FL. sent a picture of her two bonded black cats, both with white feet, snuggling on the chair.

Meet Pamela F. In Grenada Hills CA’s Daisy. Daisy’s a nine-year-old inky Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix. Pamela takes Daisy everywhere, and Daisy’s loved by all who meet her.

A restaurant patron in Syracuse, Indiana snapped this picture of a curious turtle scurrying back into one of the many lakes in the area.

Meet Sammy. Sammy is the love of Donna’s life. He is eight years old and is a Coca-Poo. We’re guessing a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle? Soulful eyes, regardless.

Marianne M. sent a picture of her gorgeous green-eyed tabby, Daisy May, catching some rays, under the family rocking chair!

Meet Isabella. She is smart, gentle, loyal, and especially good looking, Mom Lynda C. can report. Isabella spent Memorial Day in the pool, in Dayton, OH at a family cookout!

Meet Sammy. Sammy is the love of Donna’s life. He is eight years old and is a Coca-Poo. We’re guessing a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle? Soulful eyes, regardless.

AJ R. in Pennsylvania sent a picture of his two gorgeous boys, Jake and Jorge. They look cute sitting on the easy chair, but the question is, what happened to AJ’s other shoe?

Marian H. sent a picture of her Yorkie-Poo, Winni, and Golden-Doodle, Harvey, a 110-pound gentle giant, meeting face to face and seeing eye to eye.

Meet Jackson, Melinda B.’s new furry family member! She adopted him recently; he is 1/2 lab and 1/2 St. Bernard. He’s a real sweetie, Melinda says, and Jackson is already a certified therapy dog.

Leila sent a picture of her stunning grey and green-eyed cat, Stella, who is relaxing on the floor.

Shiner’s relaxing, hanging out in the pool! Bianca in Live Oak, TX sent a picture of Shiner, cooling off in the kiddie pool, after running around the backyard.

Meet Lacy. She’s getting her summer off to a great start, leaping and splashing into Lake Moxie in Maine. Lacy has some “Moxie”, doesn’t she?

Meet Fuzzy. Joanne G. emailed a picture of her little white long-haired terrier Fuzzy, all dressed up for Cinco de Mayo, complete with a sombrero!

Meet Kody and Iroquois. Kody is a five-year-old lovable Keeshond. He loves hiking and loves his little buddy, the plush family mascot, Iroquois. Kody’s mom Donna is out hiking with this pair, by a sparkling stream.


Meet Sam. Marianne M. sent pics of her handsome, grey, green-eyed cat Sam, hanging out on his favorite blanket chest, alternately napping and watching the squirrels and birds outside.


Fran B. in Manchester, NH sent a picture of Noah, her seven-year-old grey and white cat. Fran says he loves to snuggle and is shown snuggled into one of those new pita pocket style beds.

Duncan, a Pet Pal alum, is back after having his teeth professionally cleaned. He’s wearing the “Cone of Shame” so he won’t scratch his mouth. Pro cleanings are important to keep the mouth and teeth healthy.

Daniel C. sent a picture of his stunning one-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Pancho on the couch, his favorite spot, looking out the window.

Marilyn M. in Manchester, NH sent a picture of her Chloe relaxing on the couch.

Angie H. in Kingston, NY sent a picture of her Woofie – he is sporting some waterproof dog boots and a rain slicker!

Linda M. sent a picture of her gorgeous, smiling German Shepherd, Lucy Belle, playing in the yard with some colorful balls.

Susan K. in Rochester, NH sent a picture of her two Oriental Shorthair cats, Chloe and Dora, who appear to have merged into one.

Today’s Pet Pal is one of our Office Dogs catching a snooze.

Marjorie M. in Seabrook, TX sent a picture of Louie, her gorgeous all-black Bombay cat, who is friendly and talkative. Here, he is enjoying his new bed, on the desk in Marjorie’s home office!

A reader sent a picture of her gorgeous, long-haired, green-eyed cat, Sophie, sitting on the front porch railing with beautiful, long white whiskers! Sophie’s the welcoming committee, apparently!

Trina S. shared a picture of her kitten “Smudgie“, adopted from Animal Care Services in Long Beach, California. Smudgie loves her red yarn toy.
