It’s a difficult task for sure, but voters took to the polls this past March to weigh in on what Berks residents’ pets they liked best. We compiled the results to see which 10 came out on top. Meet and get to know them, here.
Age: 6 (pictured) & Henry, 10
Parents: Jeremy Arndt & Rendy Ortiz, Pennside
Nicknames: Big Boy, Baby Boy, Honeys — the list goes on!
Henry’s favorite things: Lap time, getting his back scratched and riding shotgun in the car
Brody’s favorite things: Naps, ice cubes, visitors, and his brother, Henry
How would you describe the relationship between Brody and Henry?
Henry came first and welcomed Brody with open paws. Brody always was the “Little Brother” annoying Henry, but Henry was always accepting and playful with him. Both boys always fought for our attention, by either nudging, wining or paw tapping.
How do your pets enrich your life? What experiences do you share with them?
“I was always a person who never really wanted pets. In fact, I was so against having one! When Henry came into my life my heart was quickly opened. He taught me how to love in a different, deeper way. Brody came shortly after and when I say he’s the dog version me, I mean it. He gets me and enjoys just being in bed all day just like me; I won’t even mention the attitude! My boys are my every day, there is truly nothing like them,” says Rendy.
“At first I thought I rescued Henry, but as the years passed, I realized he rescued me. Both Henry and Brody have taught me responsibility, patience and unconditional love. Losing Henry has been really hard because he really was a best friend. But we have Brody to comfort us and to help us navigate forward in this journey. He needs us, although we probably need him more! There is a saying that I always loved: When I needed a hand, I found your paw,” says Jeremy.
Editor’s note: We are sad to announce that between the time Henry and Brody were entered into the contest and when our winners were determined, Henry passed away. We send our heartfelt condolences to Jeremy and Rendy for their loss.
Age: 12
Parents: Chris Lincoln & Heidi Reuter of West Reading
Nicknames: Bubby, Doodles
What would you say makes Dewey unique? What does he do that warms your heart or makes you laugh?
Dewey has the best personality, and he is very smart. We love his facial expressions, his chill vibe, and he loves everyone that he meets. (And everybody LOVES him!)
Editor's note: Shortly before going to press with our issue, Dewey passed on to the Rainbow Bridge. We send hugs to his parents, who we know loved him with all their heart.
Age: 5-ish
Parents: Mitch Munoz & Angela Cremer of Reading
Nicknames: Loon, Baby Goon, The Great Goon, Goonie
What is Luna’s story? How did she make her way to you?
Luna chose us. We went to The Sanctuary at Haafsville in Breinigsville, and when we got there Luna, then known as Josie, was just waking up from a nap. She rolled over on her back and started purring like crazy when we petted her. We thought she was adorable, and it was love at first sight! When we asked the volunteers about her, we learned that she had been at the shelter for just over a year after being rescued from a high kill shelter in Tennessee. The volunteers were surprised that she was letting us pet her and warned us that it may take her quite a bit of time to get acclimated to her new home, but Luna had different plans. In just a week’s time she was sleeping in bed with us every night. She quickly became a lap cat, as well as our shadow always following us around.
Age: 3
Parent: Kelly Barber of Wyomissing
Nicknames: Girly, but my full name is Violet Beauregarde (from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory)
What are Violet’s favorite ways to pass the day?
She loves to eat, play, watch the birds and squirrels outside, lay in the sun and cuddle on her mom’s lap. She’s also a very good bug catcher.
Age: 5 months
Parent: Kristen Mearkle of Birdsboro
Nicknames: Sharky, Duckie
If Charlie had a human job, what would it be and why?
Charlie would be a baker because she loves to knead on everything!
Age: 1
Parent: Jordyn Crespo of Hamburg
Nicknames: Pooh bears, Poopers, Sour Patch, Poops
How did Pua only come to have one eye? Does it impact her life at all?
Pua had an injury back in January that resulted in her eye being removed. She hated her cone of shame but she did very well with healing and adjusting. She tilts her head to get a better look at everything and it makes her even cuter! She is a very curious and playful kitty and loves to explore around the house. She loves to play with her toys, especially her avocado toast!
Age: 3
Parent: Kate Adkison of Shillington
Nicknames: Luna Tuna, Looney Tune
What would you say Luna is best at and why?
Luna is a pro at getting belly rubs. Whenever she rolls over and looks at you with her cutest expression and her big yellow eyes, it’s impossible not to oblige!
Lenny's Age: 6 weeks
Buddy's Age: 6
Parent: Shawney Geisinger, Rockland Township
Nicknames: Lenny Beneny & Buddy Boy
How would you describe the relationship between Lenny & Buddy? What do they enjoy doing together?
Lenny is a rescued lamb that would have died if not given lots of extra TLC and Buddy is a rescue who lost his leg due to a severe beating by his previous owner. Lenny and Buddy do everything together. They curl up on the sofa together, go for walks in the woods together and play in the yard together.
Age: 2
Parents: Noah & Aelish Brooks of Bernville
Nicknames: Finnie, Finn, Finnster
What do you believe makes Finnegan the best?
Finn is the Director of Happiness for Good Life Companies. He goes to work every day and showers his friends and co-workers with love and kisses. He is by far the happiest employee on a Monday morning! Finn is an avid boat dog that enjoys spending his days on Blue Marsh swimming and chilling on the lake. Overall Finnegan’s passion for life and his smile makes everyone around him instantly fall in love.
Age: 2
Parent: Katya Hammer of Mohnton
Nicknames: Dex, Dexteroni, Bubbles, Chunk, Sleepy boy, Potato, Stink
What is something fun people might not know about Dexter?
Dexter can’t pass a pool, river or lake without the need to jump in and swim; he also enjoys carrying around a shoe when he’s excited.
