Meet Bubba!
Bubba is an English Bulldog belonging to the Robinson family. He turned 8 last Dec. 4 and this is his birthday photo. Bubba was born in Pittsburgh, PA, but he has enjoyed being a Floridian for the last four years. He enjoys the Florida winter much better.
Meet Sophie!
Sophie is a super sweet, 4-year-old miniature schnauzer/terrier mix. Andrea Marra of The Vineyards rescued her when she was 5-months-old, at which time she had fleas, worms and kennel cough. Andrea wrote, “Sophie was born into a litter of six pups and when I went to meet them, she was the only puppy who was interested in my being there. She actually came over and sat right in my lap. I instantly knew she was the one. As the saying goes, you don't pick your pets, they pick you!”
Today Sophie is a happy, healthy little ball of energy and makes Andrea laugh every single day. “I can't imagine life without her!” Andrea says.
Meet Missy!
Missy is a Shih Tzu that belongs to the Conti family of The Bridges. She was rescued at The Humane Society in May 2011. Missy loves her neighbors and all children, who call her the “dancing doggie” because she greets everyone by dancing on her hind legs and waving at all with her front paws! Missy likes to stop and smell the flowers in the backyard and say hello to her fence buddy, Cutter, as well as the neighborhood doggie brigade, including Coffee, Maggie, Sandy 1 and Sandy 2, Gracie, Mollie, Emmett, Chloe, Cooper, Abby, Jessie, and her favorite, Rocky!
Meet Silver and Diamond!
Diamond and Silver belong to the Manning family of Brentford. Over last summer the family adopted them as kittens, each from a different rescue organization. The two loved each other from the moment they were introduced. There was none of the normal hissing and fighting, just hugs and kisses for each other. Pearl, a Siamese mix, is mellower, loves belly rubs and wouldn't dream of waking her owners in the night. Diamond, a silver tabby, is super playful, goes crazy for catnip and doesn't mind being held non-stop by two elementary aged boys.
Meet Comet!
Comet has lived with the Lufkin family of Brentford for two years. He first arrived in time to celebrate Christmas 2010, hence the reindeer name. He is an incredibly friendly pup who has earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate. Comet has never met a stranger. He can be seen taking his mom out for walks and herding children, including his boys, Mason and Conor. Comet also loves playing with his dog friends around town.
Meet Champ!
Champ is a 1-year-old Catahoula Leopard dog. He has taken over the Masters house and thinks he runs the neighborhood. He hails from a herding breed and can outrun the kids with a 10-second head start. He also likes to sleep in their beds and thinks their pillows should be his. If you see Champ out, please stop and pet him. He loves the attention!
Meet Rocky!
Rocky, who is 2-years-old, belongs to William and Robin Davin of Berkeley Square. He loves to snuggle with mom and dad and go for walks around our neighborhood. Rocky loves to visit with his grandparents (William’s and Robin’s parents). He really gets spoiled at their homes – more than at his own!
Meet Buddy and Jovie
Buddy, right, and Jovie, left, are rescued Australian Shepherds belonging to Michelle Cook and Duane Brown. Buddy is 7 and Jovie is 3. They have a lot of energy and love to go to doggy daycare and take long walks around Westchase every day. You've probably seen them around. They're usually the ones barking and acting crazy. But they're harmless and just think every dog wants to play and every human wants to pet them.
Meet Mason and Deacon
Mason and Deacon belong to Rachel and Mark Starner of The Greens. The Starners adopted Mason and Deacon a little over a year ago when they were just kittens. They are brothers and very rambunctious. “Going from no animals to two wild, crazy cats was quite the adjustment but they quickly stole our hearts,” wrote Rachel.
Deacon is the hunter and loves chasing anything that moves on their lanai. Mason is the more laid back cat. Visitors will always find him belly-up, looking for some tummy scratches. Both are also big fans of curling up on the couch.
Meet Bitzer!
Bitzer is an 8-month-old mutt adopted from the Tampa Bay Humane Society by the Barrett family of Village Green. She loves to eat and will do anything if you reward her with treats. She also loves to chew things, especially bones and sneakers. Bitzer doesn’t bark much, but her tail is always wagging and her tongue is always licking when she meets people or dogs. If you see Bitzer around the neighborhood, feel free to say “hi!”
Meet Duncan!
Duncan is a Basset hound who belongs to the Rowlands family. He loves to play outside and spend time at the dog beach. Besides going to the beach, Duncan loves to exercise with the Rowlandses and meet other dogs in the neighborhood. Duncan is one of the loudest dogs in the neighborhood.
Meet Champ!
A 7-month-old Catahoula Leopard dog, Champ is named after Denver Broncos Defensive Back Champ Bailey. Champ was a Christmas present to the Masters family in The Greens. While still just a puppy, he knows how to sit, shake, come and chew up everything in his path. He is from a herding breed whose members reach about 70 pounds. Catahoula Leopard dogs love to run and Champ is no different. He can easily catch the three Masters kids. Wrote Michelle Masters, “Champ loves to sleep in the bed and has quickly taken over the house, but we love him. If you see us out stop and pet him. He loves all the attention.”
Meet Harley!
Harley, part poodle, became a member of the Powell family as a stray a few years ago. When she isn't chilling in the pool with the family during the dog days of summer, she enjoys going for walks around the neighborhood and meeting up with all of her friends.
Besides relaxing in the pool, Harley enjoys going for rides in the car and hanging her head out the window.
Life is pretty good for Harley these days. Sometimes The Powells even refer to her as “The Diva.” They wouldn't have it any other way!
Meet Gino!
Gino, a member of the Strazzante family of The Fords, was born April 2, 2011. The Strazzantes got Gino from the same breeder as his brother, 3-year-old Mario. They are both Pug/English Bulldog mixes with Mario looking more like his Pug mother and Gino taking after his English Bulldog Dad. Gino has proven a wonderful addition to the family. The dogs play non-stop with Gino waiting around the corner to pounce on Mario in a surprise attack. Gino's energy is boundless and it has brought the puppy back in Mario. Remarked Christina Strazzante, “We just love them both to death and since we are young empty nesters, these babies get all our love and attention!”
Meet Bogie!
Bogie is a member of the Pitcher family in Village Green. He is a lovable brindle boxer. Bogie has big paw prints to fill as a future registered therapy dog. He is already training to work with the children at Sun Coast Kids Place and as a “tail-waggin” reading partner through Therapy Dogs International. If you see Bogie at Starbucks or at WOB, please stop by and say hi. He’s always happy to meet a new friend.
Meet Sadie!
Sadie is a 4-year-old Malti-Poo who lives in Derbyshire with the Wimsatt family. Sadie, one of the Wimsatt’s three dogs, enjoys beach vacations. She also likes to sleep under the bed and is a loving lapdog and attention hog. If anyone is petting Abu or Bella, the Wimsatt’s two other dogs, Sadie will snuggle in to get some affection. A dedicated barker, Sadie is also great at alerting the family when they have company.
Meet Moonlight and Sunshine!
Moonlight and Sunshine are two adorable guinea pigs that belong to Victoria and Maddie Grills.
Meet Pearl!
Pearl is an adorable kitten belonging to John and Marilynn Mollner of The Greens. She was rescued by the Mollners’ son from the Humane Society. When she is not sleeping, Pearl’s favorite past time is watching bugs on the lanai.
Meet Molly!
A Maltese-Shihtzu, Molly is 7-months-old. She lives with Mary and Les Avis in Chelmsford. Molly already knows her way round Tavistock Drive, and has met lots of other dogs on her walks. Molly is a very cute and funny little thing and is very happy when people stop and talk to her. Mary and Les have met lots of neighbors they may never have met if they didn't have Molly.
Meet Sophie!
Sophie, 2, is chocolate lab who was rescued by the Lab Rescue Organization when she was just 8-weeks-old. While Sophie loves children and dogs, she especially loves to run and play! She belongs to Tony and Carmen Fiorito, but the Fioritos’ grandson, Nicklas, 5, is the Dog Whisperer when it comes to Sophie.