This year’s voting certainly put pups at the top of the cute pet class. With cats, guinea pigs, horses and even chickens entered, and close to 150 pets vying for the top spots, dogs ruled. Meet the top vote-getters and get to know them a bit better on the pages that follow.
Nickname: Rosie
Age: 10+ (Rose was rescued at what was estimated to be 6 years of age.)
Owner: Linda Lori of Bern Township
Tell us about a memory with your pet that you find funny or that you hold close to your heart.
Rose went everywhere with me. She was a people magnet. Whenever we would walk into a dog-friendly store or pretty much anywhere, adults and children would be mesmerized by her size and striking black and white harlequin color. Most of the time everyone wanted to pet her. I have photos of her in stores with employees and shoppers. She would meet and greet anyone who wanted to pet her and brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
What was your pet’s favorite way to spend the day?
Just like a person would. Being hugged and loved, going in the car, shopping, taking walks on a beautiful day, making new friends, napping and snacking. She wasn’t just a dog…she was a Dane.
Editor’s note: Rose has passed since her appearance in our feature. We send condolences to all who loved her.
Nicknames: Benny, Benny Boo, Benito Benny Boy, Bent Bent
Age: 1
Owner: Maya Barreto of Blandon
What makes your pet unique?
Bentley coughs or sneezes when he feels like he’s not getting enough attention. He also can walk around on his hind legs.
Nicknames: Young Kiss, Brookie, Kisser, Goodest Boy (on Instagram @babybrooks_cavachon)
Age: 1 ½ years
Owners: Melissa Reedy & Adam Schwartz of Wyomissing
How would you describe your pet to someone who has not met him?
Brooks is the sweetest, most loving and silly puppy ever. It’s no surprise he was born on Christmas because he is such a gift.
Nickname: Puppy Dog
Age: 10 months
Owners: William Thomas & Stephanie Sweigart of Exeter Township
If your pet had a job, what would it be and why?
Pet Detective. Leo loves to watch everything and try to understand what is happening. When he’s done watching he will sniff the scent and try to find whatever he was just watching. On top of that, he loves to solve puzzles.
Nickname: Hankster the Prankster
Age: 8
Owners: Keith & Christine Claytor of Fleetwood
Tell us about a memory with your pet you hold close to your heart.
When we bought Hank, we already had an older German shepherd named Gretchen. At the end of her life, Hank would snuggle up on the floor next to her to comfort his adopted “Mommy” as she faded away.
Nicknames: Juju Bean, Junebug, Floof
Age: 1
Owners: Hope Marie, Gabrielle & Ryan Topper of Wernersville
How would you describe your pet to someone who has not met him/her?
Juno is a bouncy ball of happiness; she loves every dog and human she meets. Even though she is not the brightest, she always puts a smile on your face with her derpy personality and fluffy figure.
Nicknames: Molly Macaroni Noodle Butt, Farm Fresh, Noot
Age: 15 years
Owner: Brenda Ebling of Kenhorst
What do you love most about your pet?
Molly’s greetings. Whether it’s her morning hello (which includes sitting on your head then immediately flopping onto her back for a belly rub) or her welcoming you home. Her excitement is as if she has been waiting for you her whole life. Either way, she starts my day off with happiness and a smile and ends my day on the same note.
Nicknames: Dinky, Dinky Doo, Dinkums
Age: 7 months
Owners: Todd and Lisa Weaver of Mohrsville
If your pet had a job, what would it be and why?
He would make an incredible doorman. He has mastered the art of ringing the bells 876 times a day to go outside just to come back in so he can go back outside. His flopsy mopsy face would make anyone smile as they are approaching this very friendly doorman.
Nickname: Tell Tell
Age: 3
Owners: Chris and Heidi Lincoln of West Reading
What makes your pet unique?
Probably his rescue story. Telly was recently rescued from being chained to the side of a road in Texas, but has made a full recovery here in PA through the help of many people. They didn’t think he would make it through the weekend when he was found. He has come full circle.
Nicknames: Puppers, Wilson Train, The Nibs, Stinky Sock, DogJerk
Age: 10
Owners: Jeff & Angie Dietrich of Wyomissing
How would you describe your pet to someone who has not met him?
Wilson operates on two speeds only: lightning fast or fast asleep. Be prepared if you flip his “on switch.”
Nickname: Harperdoodle
Age: 3
Owners: The Lavin Family: Matt, Angela, Cole & Ava of Sinking Spring
What do you love most about your pet?
Harper is a very affectionate pup and she has a happy-go-lucky personality. She seems to always know when you need a cuddle.
