Pets/Wildlife

Scout has a very affectionate personality and must sit on her parents’ laps at all times, from the couch, to the kitchen table, to the office chair. She was adopted from the Tampa Bay Humane Society in 2018 and has been making her parents laugh since day one. One of her favorite ‘toys’ is the weekly Laker newspaper, where she likes to either lay on it, or use it as a surfboard and surf across the floor or couch. Scout lives with her proud parents, Shari and Dan Bresin, in Land O Lakes.

Beth Musgrove, of Zephyrhills, found a katydid on her car and said it refused to cooperate with the paparazzi that was taking its photo. Katydids are a family of insects that may also be called long-horned grasshoppers because of their super long antennae and are also known as leaf-hoppers. Many katydids resemble green leaves.

Hazel is a 5 year old chocolate Labrador. She is a wonderful family pet who loves to swim, play frisbee and even sing along with the piano. She is friendly toward all people and animals, and even has a sign hanging by her room that truthfully says, ‘Beware of dog kisses!’ Hazel lives with Elisabeth Cordrey in Land O’ Lakes.

Bonnie Caston, of Zephyrhills, has been watching a pair of American Kestrels in her backyard, and patiently waiting for the arrival of little ones. She snapped this photo as a young one that still has peach fuzz on its head decided to fledge the nest. The kestrel parents were keeping a close eye on their offspring.

In late April, Gracee was dumped at the Lakeland SPCA. She seemed to be a perfect fit for what Emma Pettit was looking for in a dog. Pettit has no idea of what Gracee’s life was before she was adopted, but she is a true sweetheart and loves a good game of tug-of-war. Within a few days, Gracee made herself at home with Pettit in Zephyrhills. True to a Schnauzer personality, Gracee is very protective, yet lovable. 

Darrell Thompson, of Long Lake Ranch in Lutz, caught this Canada goose mom and baby seeking some shade. Thousands of these ‘honkers’ migrate north and south each year, filling the sky with long V formations. 

Mya is a husky and is a little more than a year old. She is still a puppy so she is a bit ‘crazy.’ Her best friend is Terrance, a brindle terrier mix rescue and the gentlest dog. Mya and Terrance live with proud owner Ellen MacNeil, and dad Rick, in Land O’ Lakes.

Sue Dow snapped this photo of Muscovy ducklings at Zephyr Park. The ducklings will stay with their mom for 10 weeks to 12 weeks until they can regulate their temperature well enough on their own. They already know how to find their own food, but still need their family for warmth and protection.

Eduarda, aka Eddy, loves to sit and rest in a prim and proper way! She loves to watch her owner do the dishes. Her favorite thing is running water and she has even learned to turn on the bathroom faucet for a drink. Eddy lives with her proud owner, Beth Musgrove, in Zephyrhills.

Steve Vinik heard a bird squawking behind him at his home in Lexington Oaks, Wesley Chapel, and spotted this limpkin on his roof. The reason for all the noise? It’s usually territorial males reminding each other of their space. To hear the bird, visit AllAboutBirds.org/guide/Limpkin/overview.