SRQ Magazine | May/June 2025: Pets We Love

Special Thanks to Pets We Love Presenting Sponsors

Below: Pilots Sandy and David Gurley with their Australian Labradoodle Winston.

A ROUNDUP OF PAW-SITIVELY PAW-SOME ANIMAL FRIENDS From the light of morning through the dark of night, during our hardest times and happiest days, our pets provide us with unconditional love and friendship. This year’s SRQ Pets We Love competition included more applicants than ever before and supplied us with the most loveable stories and adorable photos. Check out the winners of every pet lover’s favorite contest.

PRODUCED BY SRQ MAGAZINE | LAUREN SUTTER. PHOTOGRAPHY BY WES ROBERTS AND JENNIFER VILLAGOMEZ.

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ELLIE THE 1.5-YEAR-OLD AMBER RED CHIHUAHUA

“Some love stories begin with a spark—ours started with a wag. The day Ellie came into our lives, her vibrant energy and big personality instantly stole our hearts. From zoomies to snuggles, she fills our days with laughter and love. Life with Ellie is brighter, livelier and fullof joy.” — Owner Terra Tominelli THE PERFECT DAY (FROM ELLIE’S PERSPECTIVE) Wake up my sister with

wet-nosed kisses—I need to rise and shine! Quick zoomies, breakfast devoured, then it’s time for the best part . . . poolside lounging! I soak up the sun, my sister calls it “vitamin D,” but I call it “being fabulous.” Belly rubs, cool sips of water, and maybe a sneaky splash in the pool (oops!). Snuggles, snacks, sunset vibes— pure perfection. Let’s do it again tomorrow! QUIRKY STORY No sock is safe.

Whether taken from the laundry or stolen off my foot, it’s gone. If I catch her in the act she stares, then rockets into zoomie mode, bouncing off furniture like a caffeinated kangaroo. Where is the vanished sock? Probably in her secret stash —AKA the Bermuda Triangle of missing footwear. One day, I’ll find it.

Until then, I live in fear . . . and mismatched socks.

DAVE THE 5-YEAR-OLD PITBULL MIX

“In the crowded Tampa Bay SPCA shelter, a quiet, unassuming pup named Panda waited. His ribs pressed against his thin skin, his back raw from fleas and ticks. Life had been tough, but deep down, he knew he was meant for more. Then, in May 2021, everything changed. A human walked in—not just any human, but his human.

The connection was instant. The shelter staff introduced him as Panda, but the name didn’t seem to fit. Then his human said, “Dave.”

It was as if a switch flipped—he knew that was his name. No longer Panda, a forgotten shelter dog. He was Dave—strong, resilient, and ready for a new life. Recovery wasn’t easy. He ate well, filling out his frame. His wounds healed, his coat grew sleek, and he left his painful past behind. But he didn’t just survive—he thrived. Today, Dave lives like a king. His wardrobe rivals high-fashion icons’, his meals are crafted to perfection, and his home is spotless, thanks to his dedicated staff. From a struggling shelter pup to a life of luxury, Dave is proof that fate favors the bold. And so, he lounges, he dines, he rules—because Dave was never meant to be ordinary. He was always destined to be legendary.”

— Owner Isaiah Smith

WINSTON THE 4-YEAR-OLD MINI AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE

“Winston was adopted here in Sarasota. His first family fell through and we scooped him right up for adoption. He loves to fly with us, run on the beach and chase after tennis balls.”

— Owners Sandy and David Gurley featured on the previous page.

A QUIRKY STORY Winston treats his lovey like a gentlemen.

He brings her in the room to watch TV or where ever we are entertaining. He doesn’t want to leave her out. When anyone comes in our house, he walks them to the snack cabinet and insists they provide him with a treat. He has everyone trained, even service workers. IF HE HAD A SHOW NAMED AFTER HIM, IT WOULD BE Winston’s Adventures: Flying, Boating, Hiking

FUN FACT He’s never disclosed his

reasoning, but Dave has a deep hatred for cows.

IF HE HAD A SHOW NAMED AFTER HIM, IT WOULD BE Dave & Order:

Special Treats Unit

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SALLY (SAL, SALVADOR DOGGY,

SALAMANDER HUFFINGTON, SALLY O’MALLEY)

THE 3.5 -YEAR-OLD TERRIER-COLLIE MIX

“My stepson and I knew it was time—we had gone seven months without our beloved Daisy, and the house felt far too quiet. We had a plan: take my husband out for a big brunch, then ease into our carefully prepared “we really need a dog” speech. Spoiler alert: He said no. Of course. But what he didn’t know was that we already had an approved adoption application waiting for us at Nate’s Animal Rescue. Unexpectedly, instead of heading home after brunch, my husband turned the car in the opposite direction. We held our breath as Nate’s sign appeared ahead. Within moments of getting out of the car, my husband was holding a little black-and-white ball of fluff with a tail wagging like crazy. Was he really choosing a dog? This was a twist we never saw coming. Did he pick her, or did she pick him? We’ll never truly know. But within ten minutes, Sally was officially ours. And guess who became her absolute favorite person? Yep, my husband—the man who initially said no. Now, they’re inseparable. While my stepson and I still pretend we “won” by getting Sally, it’s clear: she’s his dog, and he’s her person. The only one who comes close to his spot in her heart is my stepson. I’m comfortably in third place, but no, I’m not bitter. Really.

And that’s how we got Sally—the dog we weren’t supposed to get.

The dog my husband wasn’t supposed to choose. The dog who became his soul dog.” —Owner Sarah Firstenberger IF SHE HAD A TV SHOW/PODCAST IT WOULD BE CALLED Agent of Chaos. Slogan: “More trips to the vet than you can count—because why not?”

TIKI THE 12-YEAR-OLD YORKSHIRE TERRIER “In May 2022, I lost my dog Pascal to canine cancer. It was odd coming home to an empty house after his passing. I volunteer at Satchel’s Last Resort and one day, the executive director called me and mentioned that they just took in a Yorkie she thought I’d want to meet. We made the appointment and it was love at first sight.

She hopped in my arms and began giving me kisses. Tiki had also experienced a loss. Her owner had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. Maybe the two of us could help each other heal. I was a little hesitant to adopt a new dog two weeks after the loss of Pascal, and Tiki needed a full senior exam at the vet, so we entered into a foster-to-adopt situation. Within weeks, it was clear Tiki found her forever home.

We’ve been through a lot these past couple of years including “old dog” vestibular disease, cardiac issues, travel and more! It really was a perfect fit.” —Owner Muffy Lavens A QUIRKY STORY When Tiki was first diagnosed with cardiogenic pulmonary edema, she required heart medication three times per day: 6am, 2pm and 10pm. Her recovery has been smooth and the cardiologist reduced her doses to twice per day: 6am and 6pm. The medication was given to her in tiny pieces of turkey sausage. She is unaware that the sausage piece is for her pills, so once the medication was reduced, 10pm “treats” were no longer needed . . . or so we thought. Tiki refuses to go to bed without her “bedtime snack.” As soon as she gets the little piece of sausage, she snuggles right into bed and goes to sleep.

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LANCE THE 12-YEAR-OLD GREAT PYRENEES MIX

“Lance was a stray, picked up by animal control in Lake Charles, LA, and brought to the Humane Society of Sarasota County. I first saw him while volunteering at the shelter. As he was being carried out of the building, I asked why—and learned he was too terrified to leave his pen, even to go outside.” —Owner Nan Miller HEROIC STORY A few years ago at Bayfront Park in Sarasota a

man approached me with his dog. He recognized Lance and told me my dog had changed his life. During a pet therapy session at the VA outpatient clinic in Bradenton, Lance had laid down on the man’s feet. A veteran with PTSD, he said that one simple moment of connection made him realize he needed a dog of his own. He got one and his life completely changed. Once a recluse who only left home for quick grocery runs, he now went everywhere with his dog. Then he told me something I’ll never forget: Lance saved me from suicide.

He showed me I needed the love and companionship of a dog to find meaning again. Lance isn’t just a rescue, he’s truly a hero.

WILLOW, BUSTER, ZEKE AND HOLLY THE 12 & 13-YEAR-OLD DACHSHUNDS “FOSTER FAILS”

“All four of these adorable senior dachshunds are “foster fails.” I have had over 100 dogs through my home since fostering for All American Dachshund Rescue. These are four of my previous fosters that I eventually adopted!” —Owner Meg Loomis HEROIC STORIES Willow is mostly deaf, blind in one eye, toothless and has a crippled front leg that she cannot put weight on. She was rescued from an owner who kept her in a crate for the last 6 years and rarely fed her. She only weighed 5 lbs coming into rescue. Today she is a perfect 10 lbs. Buster came to me as a foster at age 4 in November 2015. I noticed when he arrived that he had a wobble walk which meant he might have some back issues.

Sure enough within two weeks, he went into surgery. After weeks of PT, I couldn’t let him go and adopted him! He is still doing great at age 13 and has no residual effects from his back issues … phew! Holly came to me in 2017 to be fostered. She literally came into rescue as a “bag of bones” with two deformed front legs after being tossed in the woods to survive or perish. Seeing the love my doxies and I had for Holly, I had to adopt her and make her a permanent part of the pack. Zeke was a “breeder” surrender (think puppy mill stud) who became another of my fosters in 2017. His teeth had never been cared for so we had to have EVERY tooth in his mouth pulled due to severe dental disease. Zeke had spent 10 years in a kennel setting with no socialization.

We found him an adoptive home in GA, but after two months the family returned him since he still was not housebroken and continually barked a lot. When he came back to my home to be fostered, he was so excited to see Buster, Holly and me that I “folded” and adopted him, too! srq magazine_ MAY/JUNE25 live local | 35

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FRANKLIN

(FRANKS, FRANKIE, F-MAN, EFE)

THE 3-YEAR-OLD PORTUGUESE WATER DOG

“About four weeks before bringing our pup home, our breeder invited us to meet the litter. The plan was to find the right fit, but Franklin made the choice for us.

While we played with his siblings, he came barreling toward us—full speed, all confidence, no brakes. We joke that he spotted my husband–the weak link–and knew he’d win him over instantly. Without hesitation, he crashed into his lap, all goofy enthusiasm. My husband laughed and said, “She’s the one you have to win over.” As if he understood, Franklin turned, charged into my lap, and sealed the deal. Unlike his littermates, identified by collar colors, Franklin had a different title—“Chunkster.” As the firstborn, he got a head start on the milk and quickly became the biggest of the bunch. His personality matched his size, bouncing between full-speed play and total cuddle overload. One moment, he was tumbling over his paws in excitement; the next, he was snuggling into our laps. And from that moment on, we knew—he wasn’t just our dog. He had chosen us.”—Owner Elizabeth McGowan

RORY THE 1-YEAR-OLD TRI-COLOR BEAGLE

“We instantly fell in love with Rory when we saw her listed as an adoptable puppy on Nate’s Animal Shelter’s social media page.

We jumped in the car immediately, my daughter quickly filling out the adoption forms on the way, hoping it would speed things up.

Upon arrival, our paperwork was approved quickly, but Rory was already being considered by another family. We waited anxiously, letting her lick our fingers through the fence. When the other family moved on to other dogs, we finally got to spend one-on-one time with her. Rory was playful, sweet and affectionate—exactly what we were looking for. We knew right then she was meant to be part of our family!” —Owner Niki Dalsing

QUIRKY STORY Every morning, Franklin knocks his bowl over to signal he’s hungry— a trick he taught himself. When we started ignoring his antics, he leveled up, carrying his bowl to us instead.

And when that didn’t work? He took it even further—learning to open doors. Now, if we don’t fill his bowl fast enough (yes, he’s trained us), he’ll take matters into his own paws, opening the pantry door and attempting to access his food himself. IF HE HAD A A PODCAST NAMED AFTER HIM, IT WOULD BE Sticks and Stuff: All the Fun Things I Put In My Mouth

PERFECT DAY Wake up, have breakfast, take a quick walk and then

snuggle in a blanket for a quick nap. She would then spend her afternoon laying poolside in the sun watching the birds around the pond. Her perfect ending to the day would be with a visit to the dog park for some play and then dinner and movie to relax before calling it a night! QUIRKY STORY She loves to play in the sprinklers, run through the water and try to catch it in her mouth!

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LONDON BLU THE 7-YEAR-OLD BERNADOODLE “We were incredibly lucky, what started as a simple visit to a pet store so my daughter could pet some dogs turned into fate.

There, sitting patiently as if waiting just for us, was London Blu.” —Owner Craig Holliday PERFECT DAY (FROM LONDON BLU’S PERSPECTIVE) First, wake up to some much-needed ear and nose rubs. Then, it’s out to the front yard to grab the paper, sniff the air and take

care of business. Next up, breakfast, complete with some tasty blueberries and mango, followed by a nice mid-morning nap. By lunchtime, it’s time to be right in the middle of everything while Mom and Dad eat, soaking up all the ear scratches and attention. After that, another solid nap before the late afternoon fun of chasing tennis balls that mom shoots from the Nerf gun! Then, of course, another nap before dinner. One more rest and then it’s TV time, where I love barking at any dog, cat or horse on the screen. Westerns are my favorite—I especially love barking at the horses.

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CHARLIE THE 11-YEAR-OLD TIBETAN SPANIEL

“I adopted Charlie from a rescue two years ago when his previous owner had a sudden heart attack. Charlie clearly loved his past owner and we must be similar because he settled right into my life. He also loves his new job— Charlie is our Head of PR at Discover Sarasota Tours.

As a loyal and enthusiastic team member, Charlie’s duties include providing puppy friendship to all of our guests, canine and human. Charlie is beloved by staff and guests for his warm, quietly loving demeanor.” —Owner Tammy Hauser. QUIRKY STORY Charlie loves sitting on the trolley bench— going on tours and looking out the window—especially on our Murder Mystery Show! He loves to look out the window and watch the world go by. We work hard at the Trolley Cottage Gift Shop and he gets to greet everyone so they know it’s his second home. The staff love him as do the guests, especially kids who spend time with him for our holiday Christmas shows. He’s therapeutic and unconditional in his acceptance of everyone. He has just been a wonderful employee!

LUNA THE 3-YEAR-OLD NIGERIAN DWARF GOAT “Luna came to me as a cute, cuddly kid and now she’s a proud mama of two. But no matter how much time passes, she’s still my baby. She loves her walks, adores cuddles and in the winter, her fluffy coat makes her even more irresistible. She brings a smile to everyone she meets and still loves to snuggle just as much as ever!” —Owner Nichola Nagy FUN FACT She screams for no reason, just enjoys hearing herself. We often wonder what is going on but she probably just wants more animal crackers.” IF SHE HAD A SHOW NAMED AFTER HER, IT WOULD BE The Bleat Beat with Luna - A Banter on Goat Gossip.

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CLUTCH THE 13-YEAR-OLD WEST HIGHLAND WHITE TERRIER “I had been looking for a dog for several months, and when I laid eyes on Clutch, I knew it was love at first sight! I did not know anything about her breed, but I knew I would find out.”—Owner Kari-Jo Koshes, pictured Justin Reynolds with Clutch PERFECT DAY We would wake up early and go on a long walk in one of the many beautiful Sarasota County parks. Then we would grab a bite to eat downtown somewhere where we could dine outside.

We would end the day with another walk over the Ringling Bridge to enjoy the sunset and a quick dip in the water. QUIRKY STORY Clutch loves to swim in the ocean. She loves it so much that when we go over any bridges, we have to close the windows so she does not smell the salty air. Otherwise, she will cry until she can splash around in the water!

LOLA AND HUEY THE 11-YEAR-OLD AND 12-YEAR-OLD CHIHUAHUA SIBLINGS

“When I decided to get a pet, I attended a local adoption event, determined to have first pick. I arrived so early that I was there before the rescue group had even started setting up. As they unloaded the dogs and went back to their cars to retrieve the pens, one pup ran straight over to me, jumped into my lap and calmly sat there, watching the chaos unfold. At that moment, I knew—I hadn’t just picked a dog; I had been chosen. I adopted her on the spot and named her Lola.

A few years later, I decided Lola needed a friend. Around the same time, a local rescue was shut down due to animal hoarding, flooding the community with dogs in need of homes. When we saw Huey’s picture, we just knew he was the one. Unfortunately, Huey had been abused and earning his trust took time. But with patience and love, he slowly came around. Now, he and Lola are inseparable.”

—Owner Gabriele Harris IF THEY HAD A SHOW NAMED AFTER THEM, IT WOULD BE Little Dogs, Big Trouble: The Adventures of Lola & Huey

TEDDY THE 8-YEAR-OLD BLUE NOSE PITBULL “Teddy and my now husband were a package deal. At first, this 90-lb bulky dog was running toward me and I was scared, the next I was covered in kisses and slobber.

And a massive–and I mean as big as my palm–tongue.

The scariest-looking dog is really the snuggliest, friendliest pup, and his name is SO fitting because he really is a big teddy bear. He loves to lay his big ole head on my chest and always has to be touching me while on the couch or in bed. He’s my best bud!”—Owner Britney Guertin, also picture is husband Sawyer McCraw and their second dog Lauren HEROIC STORY They say a dog’s love is pure but Teddy is truly our best bud. We went through a miscarriage and it was hard on both my body and mind and my husband had to go right back to work. Teddy didn’t leave my side and it’s like he knew I needed extra care and attention. Besides his kisses, cuddles and love, he was like a real guard dog those days. He checked me with his head, kept our puppy off me, and I swear he gave me eye contact trying to ask how I was! He knew and he was there in a way no human could be!

And when I need a laugh, he’s always good for a smile or a silly face.

He’s the best boo-boo ever!

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BABY THE 13-YEAR-OLD WHITE AND GREY TABBY CAT

“Baby was born in Seattle, Washington. She was the only light in the gloomy skies of the city. Moving from Seattle to Sarasota was tiring for poor Baby but she is happy to lay out in the Sarasota sun anytime now.” —Owner Mason Aaseslund PERFECT DAY (FROM BABY’S PERSPECTIVE) After waking up Mason from his sleep, I have my breakfast, the most important part of any cat’s day. When my belly is full and I am satisfied with the amount of kisses I have been given, I’ll go lay out in the sun but sometimes, it is wash day for my fur. After I am done with my morning routine I go to my meetings…meetings that I take via my dreams. After a long day of dreaming, Mason comes home and I know he will cook the best dinner. To wind down my long, tedious day, Mason and I chill on the couch and talk about our days. IF SHE HAD A TV SHOW OR PODCAST IT WOULD BE CALLED Baby Knows Best

NOVA THE 6.5-YEAR-OLD STAFFY MIX “Six months after getting married, we felt a deep need for a furry addition to our family. We searched rescues and shelters but never quite found the right match.

Then, we stumbled upon a Craigslist listing for a litter of pitty/lab/boxer mix puppies in New Port Richey.

Without thinking twice, we headed there. The moment we met her, we knew she instantly connected with us.

Her unique markings, a white dot on her forehead and a white stripe down her back, made her even more special.

From that day on, she became our baby girl and best friend. She’s the sweetest, most affectionate and sensitive little girl. Over time, she’s also become a frisbee and swimming athlete, and when I foster for Nate’s Honor Rescue, she’s the best Foster Dog Mommy. Thanks to her gentle nature, many of our foster pups have found loving homes. We couldn’t be more proud!” —Owner Rachel Belcher PERFECT DAY She wakes up slowly, enjoying lots of cuddles before breakfast—a tasty raw meal. Then she spends her morning happily sunbathing. Around mid-afternoon, we head to Gramma’s house for a refreshing swim in the pool. Back home, she takes a sunny cat nap, followed by some elite frisbee catching around 5 pm. Finally, it’s dinner time, then she relaxes on the couch, cuddled close to Mom and Dad. 40 | srq magazine_ MAY/JUNE25 live local

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FIONA LONGSTOCKINGS THE 7-YEAR-OLD BULLMASTIFF “Fiona is a therapy dog who works with the Child Protection Center and the 12th Judicial Circuit. She assists children with their appearances and testimonies in the court system. She also visits the victims’ advocates in the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department and the Centerstone Mental Health Center. She visits with the children at the All Star Children’s Foundation in Sarasota and helps students destress at the IMG Academy, Manatee School for the Arts, State College of Florida and the reading program at the Manatee Elementary School. She has never met a person who couldn’t be her new best friend.—Owner Lucia Topp HEROIC STORY One time, Fiona woke up from a deep sleep in the courtroom and looked around. She got up and pulled me to the front of the courtroom where she sat down next to a little girl who was talking to the judge because she knew that that was where she needed to be. IF SHE COULD TALK SHE’D ASK “Would you rub my belly? Would you rub it again? Are you going to eat that?”

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BISCUIT THE 5-YEAR-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER “My best friend has bred goldens for 53 years. She knew we were looking for a new family member and she suggested a puppy she had just bred—then there was Biscuit”—Owner Sally Anne Gendron PERFECT DAY Biscuit loves “working”; he’s a certified pet therapy dog. Therefore Biscuit’s perfect day would consist of spreading love, kindness and dog hair to one of the many facilities he visits on a regular basis. This must include being told how gorgeous he is accompanied by multiple treats! HEROIC STORY One day, while Biscuit and I were visiting patients at SMH, we heard a sudden commotion down the hall, followed by multiple security officers rushing toward a room. Biscuit immediately pulled me in that direction, determined to see what was happening. As we approached, an older gentleman who was the patient in distress spotted Biscuit from across the room. I asked for permission to enter, and as soon as Biscuit stepped inside, a noticeable calm settled over the man. He began sharing heartfelt stories about dogs he’d loved throughout his life. Biscuit and I stayed with him until he was discharged, which was more than an hour later. We even walked alongside him to his transport vehicle. Biscuit has an intuitive ability to sense exactly where he’s needed. During our visits, he often seeks out individuals who inevitably look up and say, “I really needed him today.” He brings endless comfort, joy and unconditional love to everyone he meets at the local facilities we visit. IF HE HAD A TV SHOW/PODCAST IT WOULD BE CALLED Life . . . and How to Live It to the Fullest 42 | srq magazine_ MAY/JUNE25 live local

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BEAUREGARD BAXTER BROOKINS, AKA BODIE THE 2-YEAR-OLD TUXEDO CAT

“Bodie was adopted from the Cat Depot to be a companion to my four-year-old Maine Coon cat.

I didn’t want her to be alone so Bodie was the answer. He keeps her company whenever I’m not at home and keeps us busy with his constant antics.

Unlike my more elusive Maine Coon cat, Bodie is an instant friend to everyone he meets. He was the most rambunctious kitten in the litter and he has certainly lived up to that!”—Owner Liz Brookins, pictured right. HEROIC STORY Bodie is a “watch cat” always on the alert to anything going on and rarely scared of noises or activities inside or outside.

He sat next to me during Hurricane Milton providing me comfort when he wasn’t patrolling the house. IF HE HAD A TV SHOW/PODCAST IT WOULD BE CALLED Bodie’s House: I Just Let Her Live Here

PENNY BLOSSOM AND LULU PETALS THE 13-YEAR-OLD AND 9-YEAR-OLD MINIATURE DACHSHUNDS

“I was afraid and uneasy around dogs until I was 25. In 2012, my partner at the time desperately wanted a dog and I finally agreed that I could handle a miniature dachshund (wiener dog), which was all he needed to hear. We found a dachshund puppy online and visited the “sanctuary” to meet her, later discovering that the “sanctuary” was involved in a local hoarding and fraud scandal. The tiny puppy waited for us curled up in a crate on a picnic table, weighing just four pounds, perfectly matching her original name, Cinnabons. We brought her home and renamed her Penny Blossom, inspired by her copper color and character from The Big Bang Theory. I quickly fell in love with Penny, a spirited and hilarious little “cocktail weenie,” and she completely transformed my relationship with animals. Fast forward a few years, it was just the two of us. Penny and I became a certified pet therapy team, visiting hospice patients. I started working at the Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC), and Penny joined me every day as the unofficial “Chief Happiness Officer.” Our duo expanded in September 2019 when a long-haired dachshund named Lulu was surrendered to HSSC. Though I wasn’t looking for another dog, Lulu’s charm quickly won me over—much to Penny’s initial dismay. We found our rhythm when we started visiting HSSC’s Fur Fun Summer Camps. With two dachshund-sized Wonder Woman costumes and my own cape, we introduced a segment called Story Time with Miss Autumn and the Wonder Weenies. We repeated our roles for several summers, creating some of my fondest memories. Now that I’ve left HSSC, the girls are officially “retired.” Penny Blossom is now 13, and Lulu Petals is nearly 10. Reflecting on how I went from not wanting a dog to loving two dogs more than anything reminds me that the best things often arrive when you least expect them.”—Owner Autumn Steiner srq magazine_ MAY/JUNE25 live local | 43

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STELLA LUNA THE 1.5-YEAR-OLD LABRADOR RETRIEVER PITBULL MIX “After a failed attempt at adopting a dear friend’s Shepherd when he discovered his new wife became deathly allergic to his dog, our daughter, Sienna, was heartbroken. We were not looking to adopt a dog, but we’re hoping to help our friend. I made the mistake of saying, “why don’t we go visit some puppies at the local shelter.” We arrived at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue and only made it past the sixth kennel. Stella Luna was two months and 20 pounds when we met her. It took about five minutes and we had all fallen in love. Stella had been bitten by ants and had scars all over her. Knowing she might be part Pitbull, we did not know what to expect for size. At just a year and a half old, she is a strong 55 pounds in counting.”—Owner Veronica Thames PERFECT DAY Stella Luna’s perfect day involves a 2-mile walk, breakfast of Grandma’s homemade chicken recipe, a nap, watching Mom work, a game of frisbee or tug outside and a golf cart ride. And when weather permits, eating the crumbs of the s’mores made at the fire pit. NOTE FROM STELLA LUNA Because some of us like to get in trouble, and some of us are less fortunate and might need a little help, let me remind you Manatee Community

Foundation has philanthropic dollars available to support animal welfare across our region.

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HOPE THE 28-INCH-TALL MINIATURE THERAPY HORSE

“I am the proud owner of Hope, a 28-inch miniature therapy horse who has become a beacon of comfort and joy to many. As an animal lover passionate about helping others, I saw the powerful bond between horses and humans and knew it could make a difference. This led to the creation of Horses Helping Hearts 10 years ago. Hope is more than just a therapy animal—she is a registered Miniature Horse with a 501(c)(3) certification, allowing us to visit hospitals, schools and other places in need of healing and emotional support. Through our organization, people can connect with Hope and experience the calming, therapeutic benefits of being around horses. Hope resides at my horse stable, Branded Heart, where I welcome friends, family, and strangers alike to come and interact with the horses. Our mission is to spread positivity, comfort and healing, one hoofbeat at a time. We are dedicated to giving people the chance to experience the unconditional love and support that only animals can provide.”—Owner Kathy Genth FUN FACT Hope loves to wear shoes from Builda-Bear when we go out to visit the public!” IF SHE HAD A SHOW NAMED AFTER HER, IT WOULD BE Horses Healing Hearts

FREYJA THE 6-YEAR-OLD PUREBRED GERMAN SHEPHERD

“Freyja is my Cardiac Alert Medical Service Dog, born in my home on December 12, 2018. Her caring nature comes naturally. As a co-matriarch of our kennel, she has taken her role seriously since the passing of our line’s elders. She’s always watchful over the puppies, but her top priority is me—alerting me when my heart is acting up. For two years, my doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of my symptoms until I was finally diagnosed with AFIB. Through careful documentation, I proved that every recorded incident on my monitor matched one of Freyja’s alerts.” —Owner Debbi Willis HEROIC STORY When Freyja gets hyper and twirls, it’s her way of telling me two things: 1) I need to sit down, and 2) I need to check my blood pressure. Without her, I’d be at risk for a stroke or heart failure. One day, while doing maintenance on the lakefront, I felt fine but had pushed my limits. Freyja wouldn’t leave me alone—nudging and nipping at me to put the tools down and go inside. I was overheated, short of breath, and unknowingly dehydrated, causing my blood pressure to drop to 86/50. I was determined to finish but Freyja had other plans—she refused to let me continue. IF SHE HAD A TV SHOW, IT WOULD BE CALLED Freyja: The Canine Cardiac Champion

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RIO THE 34.5-YEAR-OLD PASO FINO HORSE “I bought Rio 24 years ago as a trail-riding horse. In his teens, he suffered from Cushing’s disease and later suspensory ligament disease. We tried everything available to treat him, even special herbs from Ireland. Four different vet clinics advised putting him down. But then, a neighbor I didn’t yet know noticed Rio and offered to try laser therapy, a veterinary technique she was just learning. She worked on him daily as he lay on the ground. By the second day, he began eating again, and on the fourth day, after an entire week down, he finally stood up. Over weeks and months, Rio made an incredible recovery. The Cushing’s disease disappeared, and today you’d never guess his fetlocks once touched the ground. He became rideable again—back to being a normal, healthy horse.”—Owner Eileen Fitzgerald PERFECT DAY (FROM RIO’S PERSPECTIVE (FROM RIO’S PERSPECTIVE) Break-

fast is soaked pellets and senior grain, followed by a lazy day lounging by the water tank, munching on mouthfuls of fresh green grass. Then it’s dinner time, topped off with a brilliant Florida sunset that makes my mane and tail glow. SRQ We enjoy getting to know the pets who are submitted each year for SRQ Magazine’s Pets We Love Competition. Thank you to our readers for sharing their pets’ stories, perfect days and fondest memories. If you’d like to vote for the Fan Favorite from this year’s Best in Show 25 Pets We Love, voting opens on May 1, 2025 at SRQMAG.COM/PETSWELOVE.

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